“I’ll be Praying for You.”
I’ve said those words. You’ve no doubt spoken that line. And most Christians have probably uttered the phrase at least a few times.
And that’s good! Prayer is a sacred responsibility for every Christian. We should always be on the look-out for people to pray for and things to pray about. There is ALWAYS something to pray about–a person to support; a need to address, a sin to confess, a promise to claim, an attitude to change, a command to obey.
But there’s a catch. WE MUST ACTUALLY DO IT!
Early in my faith walk I told many people I would pray for them but never “got around to it.” My words were sincere. I really did intend to pray for them later during my quiet time with God. I just never did because by then their need had wandered away from my consciousness.
Telling someone “I will pray for you” and not doing it becomes nothing more than a polite gesture. Falling into this trap is easy, but so is the fix:
Don’t say it unless you will do it! Connect with God IMMEDIATELY and PRAY on the spot.
We do not need to drop to our knees and pray for 10 minutes in every case. “On-the-fly” situations in real-time call for our immediate prayer. These “walking prayers” can be short, but they must be sincere.
For me, instead of saying “I will pray for you” in a text or email thread, I strive to actually pray for them immediately and then write: “I just prayed for you.” The past tense is more believable and much more powerful. Give it a try.
If we are with someone, the ideal scenario is to ask the person if we can pray with them and for them on the spot when the opportunity presents itself. When that encounter ends, tell them you will continue praying for them. And then write it down immediately so you don’t forget.
I ask God to help me identify opportunities to pray for people and then push me to do it immediately.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Will you pray on the spot the next time you make that promise?
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them…” Matthew 6:5
Jesus says NO to using prayer to “score spiritual points.” Just pray!
