"In Bonds"
Daniel Valles

READ Hebrews 13:1-3

All too often in America, we forget that Christian brothers and sisters are sitting in a cold jail cell.  Deprived of many creature comforts that we indulged in today, they shiver in the cold, endure ridicule and physical attacks, and many other daily trials that many of us have not even seen.  Besides being separated from friends and family, many of them are kept from Christian fellowship.  The lack of a brother's encouragement and fellowship can touch any heart.  How can we, who are free, help those in bonds?

Verse three tells us that we are to pray for those in bonds, as though we were in prison with them.  Do not just pray that God will keep their health, and that they will be released.  We are together "in the body" of Christ.  When they hurt, we hurt.  Pray that God will give you the desire to pray and intercede on their behalf.  Do not just add it to your prayer list.  Keep it forefront on your mind throughout the day.  Your brother in Christ needs me to pray for him, that he will have the strength to stay true to God, and to His commandments.  Pray that God will give them mercy,  strength, and grace.  They are part of us - pray and remember them "as bound with them."