In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV), it states, “9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This scripture details for us the power of partnership, arguing that two people are better than one because they provide mutual support, higher productivity, and protection. It emphasizes shared labor, companionship of making people feel safer, and how one will better be able to overcome adversity and become stronger, it also highlights the dangers of isolation. I know all too well the importance of having an accountability and prayer partner in Christ Jesus. When I falter or fall short of God’s glory, I know that I can pick up the phone and honestly say to my partner, “Hey, I am slacking up in my word, prayer, meditating, or seeking God,” she immediately goes into prayer for me, right then and there, not later, not a week later, but right in that moment, and this folks, this is what we need. She will ask me what my concerns or problems are, to help pinpoint them out, and when I do, she holds me in account for any wrongdoing she may have heard me confess to. She doesn’t sugarcoat, and I love this about her, sincerely I do.
My partner doesn’t just do this for me; I do the same for her also. It is not a one-way street thing folks. It’s about giving and receiving, accepting and believing, no matter if even that accountability message is harsh, truthful, or hurtful, it is needed and it is necessary. How else are we supposed to become completely whole for Jesus, because becoming whole is what He wants for us. We are to be complete in God with no leftover dark stains or black residue. Praying for each other provides the support of ensuring that you both stay on a Godly path. A Christian accountability and prayer partner provides vulnerability, mutual encouragement, and is vital for spiritual growth. Scriptures from the Bible related to this topic, inform us that having these types of relationships helps to bear the burdens, offers honest counsel, and prevents isolation, which reduces the risk of falling into sin or temptation. My prayer partner has talked me off the ledge numerous times, especially when I felt as if I was standing on a precipice (critical turning point) in my life, about to walk right back into sin because my heart, being strong and knowing sin is nothing of God, my flesh was weak, sometimes getting the better of me and going against God. We must take notice of our surroundings folks, meaning, who we entertain and who we allow to entertain us, who we share our deepest darkest secrets with, let into our homes, around our children and family, or just simply who we let into our space. Understand, not everyone who smiles in your face is really a friend or for you, some are there because they’re jealous of you and are quietly and secretly plotting your downfall. You might be asking what all this has to do with having an accountability/prayer partner? Well, I am totally going to sum it up for you. When someone hurts you, or you feel betrayed, broken, hurt, alone, confused, unsure, lost, thinking you’ve been forgotten by God or that God doesn’t care about you, I am here to tell you today that it’s a lie, God loves you and He loves me Unconditionally I might add. Your partner will always be there to confirm this for you, so get you one, pray about it and ask God to help you find the right person who will help you to stay on the path of righteousness.
James 5:16 (NIV) says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Having an accountability and prayer partner can help with your growth and encouragement. Staying on track of your spiritual goals is important and strengthening your faith is adamant. Proverbs 27:17 states: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Again, this should not be a one-way street, receiving and not giving, because you being a partner to and for someone is vital as well, the interaction between you two will refine your characters, wisdom, knowledge and strength in the Lord. Let your Christian walk come forth in many ways. For example, me and my accountability/prayer partner just started having Bible Study together. It renews, refreshens, and of course, restrengthens our minds, hearts, walk and talk with and in Jesus. We depart from each other on fire and more in love with Jesus. Amen. Until next time folks, stay safe and stay blessed!!
Acknowledgement:
I would like to extend a warm, gracious, and loving “Thank You” to my long-term friend, aunt, and sister, especially in Christ Jesus, Telisa Crawford, for being with me every step of the way, battling Stage 2 Cancer, going through surgery, and now home healing. Without you and God, I felt I would have been lost. You are more to me than just a prayer and accountability partner, you are my heart and I love you forever Sis.
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