Saying a Prayer

Let me just preface this entry by saying this; This is in no way a rebuke, or reprimand. I never write with those motives. I write based on my own questions, shortcomings, thoughts, life lessons, or observations. This entry is based on observations over the past couple of weeks that have made me analyze my own walk and think on my own behavior!

Let's dig in!

What does the word pray mean? Do you pray? Have you ever told someone you'd pray for them?

The word pray is a verb. (That means it's an action word) The definition according to Dictionary.com is:

1.to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to (God or an object of worship).

2.to offer (a prayer).

3.to bring, put, etc., by praying: to pray a soul into heaven.

4.to make earnest petition to (a person).

5.to make petition or entreaty for; crave: She prayed his forgiveness.

6.to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to God or to an object of worship.

7.to enter into spiritual communion with God or an object of worship through prayer.

I started to analyze these questions recently as I began to see posts on facebook. Some were personal status updates people posted, asking for prayer. Some were just difficult situations people posted and friends began to message them and say they were praying for them. Then... Boston happened.... immediately, as with Sandy Hook, and other tragedies, people began posting pictures with candles and sentiments such as "Praying for Boston". As I was reading and scrolling through the various posts, I started to think, "I wonder how many of these people are REALLY praying?" Now, does this make me a "Doubting Thomas" of the faith, or my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ... I don't think so... and I say that because I'm not pointing a finger of judgment... It made me start to reflect inward... How many times have I told someone I was praying for them?? Did I really do it? Did I really stop to ask God to touch that person? Or was I doing lip service to a serious matter that did need prayer? Did I say a prayer or just send a message saying that I was, when in reality, the situation did cross my mind, but I simply thought about it!

The challenge I put before myself, I will present to you, and it is simply this. When I see that someone has presented a need ( where I am not there in the flesh to actually pray for them ) I will not simply say/type/write, "I'm praying for you", UNLESS I actually stop at that moment, and get before the Throne of Grace and bring the situation before God. This also, (for myself) does not mean that I will then stop and simply say, "God Bless Sally Sue", but I will, with intent, bring the situation before God. I will ask God to be in the situation, and with those involved. Currently I have a range of friends that need prayer daily for things from getting pregnant to healing their children, to bringing a financial miracle and God is showing me not to take these things lightly. I am only doing a disservice to my friends, (Christian or otherwise) to say I'm praying, if I'm really not. To pray, as I showed above, is an action. It means something TAKES PLACE. That means, something is required of me. Honestly though, what a privilege to help others by simply using my words. By simply talking to the One, who loves us so much, and DESIRES to communicate with us.

 I look forward to more opportunities to pray! Really. Truly. Pray!