Monday, February 9, 2015

Do it NOW !!

Today I had a call for an appointment.  It was from a lady that I am friendly with.  We don't hang out together a lot, but we are often in the same places at the same time. She has been having some stresses lately with the health of her husband, and parents on both sides.  Major stress.  The conversation was done.  The appointment made.  Ready to hang up and I got a God-bump. "Hey, can we pray before I hang up?" And I did.  Simple and short, but from the heart.  How many times have I tossed out, "We'll keep you in our prayers", only to think about it several days later and wonder if it ever really got prayed about by me.  Hey.  I'm admitting it.  I have a problem that way.  Sometimes it's out of sight, out of mind.  But Granny Helen Bensink talked about praying with someone on the phone right then.  And while visiting my sister, we popped next door to see her neighbor, who was recovering ever so slowly and before we left my sister asked if she could pray with her, and the neighbor grabbed each of our hands and held tight.

 woman bowing her head in prayer


Why is it that I hesitate to pray out loud?  or for someone right then?  Aren't I lying when I say I'll pray for someone and then it slips my ever-forgetful mind?  Why don't I do it more often?  So today, I just did.  I'm not telling you this to brag about myself, or to look holy.  I'm telling you this, to encourage you.  It's time we said a prayer for a friend.  Or maybe someone we don't even know that well.  What's holding you back?  I'm telling you it's OK.  And even if they are unsure, you'll both feel better.  Don't think you have to use big words, or if you stumble, that it won't 'take'.  God listens ALL THE TIME....to anyone who calls His name.
And I know I don't have a lot of people who read this, but there are some quiet ones out there.  If you find that you need a prayer yourself, please post something here in my comments.  You can do it without a google account, if you don't have one.  And everyone who reads this is then challenged to join me in praying throught any requests posted.
May you find God today, waiting for your prayers, and smiling through them all.

2 comments:

Tiny Toadstool Cottage said...

Oh my, I do that all the time too, and it is a major guilt issue for me. I think, being a new Christian, I am still too self-conscious to pray out loud, too worried about saying the 'wrong' thing or sounding silly. I know I have to get over that, but I am a naturally shy person, so it is hard. Great to 'meet' you!

Anonymous said...

My pastor always did this and by his example I soon leaned that it's not about what or how you say it....it's about having a conversation with "Abba" about anything and everything that is important to us....he also said then he knew he would never lie to someone saying he would pray for them and then forget!