Coming Alongside

by Katie Harding on September 11, 2023

Yesterday our church celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special service filled with many stories about what it has looked like to live in authentic Christian community with one another for 25 years.

One of the most beautiful thoughts I heard expressed was from a friend, who is not only a member of our church, but also a part of our Women’s Network. She described community as a place where “people are willing to shift their schedules to meet you where you are, to help you get where you are going.” It’s similar to what we say in our Network: We don’t compare or compete, but we come alongside. When women meet you where you are to help you get where you are going, they are coming alongside.

Often, we think of coming alongside as a physical journey we take with one another, like the journey Ruth took with Naomi in the book of Ruth. Or sometimes we come alongside others as we send texts of encouragement or place calls of concern. But coming alongside can also be what happens when we pray for each other. When we hear of a need and are faithful to pray, we are helping women get where they are going — where God is leading.

Years ago, as I was walking into our office building, I met a colleague in the lobby. After asking how I was doing and listening as I shared some of our current challenges, she offered to pray with me right then and there. Although that moment was impactful, it’s what she showed me later that helped me to understand she was coming alongside me in my journey. We had just finished a meeting, and she opened her calendar and said, “Katie, I am praying for you every Friday.” And listed there on Friday mornings was my name. She was journeying with me on a weekly basis for several months.

Sometimes we may journey with others for an extended time and want to schedule our prayers like my colleague, but other times our journeys may be short and sweet and impromptu like many of the prayers we offer. Yesterday, someone prayed for me at church, and today, they sent a follow up text. Yet, the effect was still the same. These two women, both in their own ways, were offering to journey with me by praying for me. It’s not the time or length of prayer that matters but the act of prayer itself.

When we meet others where they are and intercede for them in prayer, it allows us to come alongside in a very special way as we share their needs with our Heavenly Father. So, never underestimate your ability to be in community with others by faithfully praying for them. You can actually help them get to where they are going.