Some time ago, I received a phone call from a very dear and lifelong friend—a young person who had been a partner in prayer ministry. His years following academy, however, were filled with disillusionment, frustration, and pain that eroded his faith. He called to tell me he had reconnected with the Lord.

He mentioned one thing that held him during his struggle to recover his faith was a special prayer and blessing several of us had for him years ago. The fact that he was able to quote my words to him that day was evidence he had rehearsed it many times.

After over an hour of exuberant conversation, he announced he wanted to be my prayer partner. I gladly agreed to add him to my list, but was unprepared for what God was leading him to do for me. Since he was in the process of reforming his faith, and in such desperate spiritual need, I expected the partnership to be one-sided. But God saw my own spiritual need and used this young person to help me in areas I had not acknowledged I needed help. His prayer ministry to me has made a significant difference in my life.

To be in partnership with God demands we be in partnership with one another—not a co-dependent partnership, but an interdependent partnership united in Christ—one in which, by His Spirit, we bear one another's burdens in truth and love.

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Conference communication director and Lake Union Herald editor.