Pray for who?

"Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way."
Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us!! I love this!! There have been so many times in my past that I have thought that if I asked for prayer for myself it was a sign of weakness or even lead to believe that it was selfish... So what of it?!? When I am weak is He not strong? And I am learning to that to LOVE GOD & love others, I must love myself!! Should we not ask for prayer for the ones we love? And loving your self IS NOT SELFISHNESS!! Selfishness is complete opposite of caring about self... I mean think about it... When I am being selfish (Yea, I have been known to be, believe it or not.) I am wanting satisfaction RIGHT NOW, at any cost, not thinking of any consequences for not just others, but myself... When you think about it really it is sad... the statement "She is just so selfish. She doesn't think about any body but herself." No not really! But I guess it is a lot shorter than... "She is always wanting instant gratification, never thinking about what it is going to do to herself or others down the road." Whoever wrote Hebrews knew that needing prayer was important! So much so that they state "PRAY FOR US"... Not a question but a statement! Understanding that I am "only human" and I am "weak"... I need prayer! Not just for myself alone, but with the knowing that I will be of no good to the kingdom if I am not doing well. I often say, " One of the most unselfish things I can do is be selfish." Now you could take that wrong if you want to, but really think about it... when I am truly thinking of myself, my health and well being in it's fullness... only then can I be used to glorify His kingdom and all it's fullness. But I need to remember to look at it in the big picture of things... to first Love God~Love others... I must first love self... I am sure... I cannot love myself without first being loved by my PaPa Himself! O.K. I am sure I have come full circle around that one... Back to my point... It is not about me... It is about Him... I am His... I put Him first by seeing and knowing He created me... He loves me... He knows and wants the best for me... and that means I need to act like I believe that... by trusting HIM... listening to HIM... to best take care of me.
It is about HIM!! HE created you! He loves you!! He knows and wants the best for you!!! Trust HIM... listen to HIM... to best take care of you!!!! Be weak!! Need prayer? Don't ask... just make the statement "Pray for me!" Not only does it benefit you... but the ones who prays for you... and the ones who don't... but first and foremost it gives all the praise and glory to God... God with us!! My great I AM!!
As 'leaders' we can sometimes get set in the thinking that we need to show everyone we can 'handle' everything... and we sometimes put on masks to hide how we are truly feeling... I see the enemy loving this because we are keeping things 'in the dark'... the outcome is never good... it can make things harder for ourselves and others... bring things out 'into the light'... I believe people need to see we 'leaders' struggle... but we really can be 'leaders' by showing them what we do when we struggle...
"Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
Hebrews 13:7
I want people to see when I fail, but through faith in Him win... Not the prideful attitude... I don't fail, only to loose and people to see. Where I lead... do I want others to follow? Hmmmm... Oh PaPa, we need your help! Show us how to be great followers of Your Word so we may become great leaders of Your Word!! Equip us with everything good for doing Your will! And work in us what is pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom be all the glory for ever and ever!! Your grace be with us all!! Amen!!