Standing in the breach.  What does that mean?  I’ve heard that phrase before and think I’ve got more than a clue.  I envision an attorney who speaks up for you when your tongue gets all twisted up in anxiety and fear.  Or a neighbor who notices you having trouble lifting a heavy box, who comes right over and grabs the other side.  Like an older sibling standing up for you when bullied at school.  You get the picture. Standing in the breach.

How can I do just that in everyday life?  We don’t always need a lawyer ( thank the Lord!), or help with an oversized item, or when a loved one’s being pushed around.  At the moment, none of the above may apply.  So, how can I stand in the breach?

Colossians 1–‘And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God’ (Col. 1: 9-10). All this comes through prayer, speaking to God on behalf of someone else, laying whatever is at Jesus’ feet, standing in the breach.  Can’t we all do that?  So, get off the dime and pray your heart out. 

Just before I began my ministry at the United Christian Church in Western Washington, I contacted a few of my closest brothers and sisters in Christ to join me at the church for guess what?  Yes, prayer. We spent a few hours together asking the Lord to help me serve Jesus faithfully.  To show me the way to love each one in this church family.  To work hard and creatively.  To stay focused on salvation and discipleship.  To encourage and model financial support for Gospel mission causes around the world.  And that God would heal hurt feelings heard within the walls of that building, some nasty zingers from decades before. To stand in the breach. That’s what we prayed for.

How about you?  Think of anyone you can pray for?  A friend who can’t see the forest or the trees in the mess they’re going through?  Who needs a word of encouragement, or just being there, keeping very quiet?

This week, let’s stand in the breach and love being right there, praying to the Lord who can and will do more than we ask or think. Do you believe that? Then get with it and close some gaps!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that through prayer, I can help someone else.  Amen.