Prayer Perspective

Over the course of the last week, prayer has been a topic of conversation in every area of my life. At work we pray for the students and each other. At church we pray for the pastors and visitors. At home I pray for the needs of my friends and family, both shared and just what has been on my heart. Prayer has, thankfully, become the norm for me, which has not always been the case.

Recently, I was walking through a neighborhood doing a community survey with a group from my church and we ended each survey with prayer. Time and time again, families were open about what they were struggling with and seemed highly impacted that we would take the time to pray with them. Shocked at the amazing response, I began to think about how many people we must go by each day that would be accepting of prayer if all we did was offer. I had a conversation with a dear friend this week about the simplicity of asking a question in situations where there can be quick clarity. This same thing can be applied to prayer and I am realizing I need to be better in this regard. “Can I pray for you?” If the answer is yes, great. If not, that is okay, too. 

So this week, as I continue embracing the daily pains of my grief journey, I am going to find joy in the journey of looking for others that can be encouraged in prayer. In doing this, I know it will not only help me not feel alone and to be reminded of God’s daily goodness, but it will also provide the opportunities to be encouraged by the reminder of the nearness of the Father. No matter what opportunities we encounter, let us find joy in that same nearness. 

“If anyone remains in my and I in him, he will produce much fruit. Apart from me, no one can do anything.” John 15:5