We know that smiling at people is good, both for the other and for oneself. But we have to power to go beyond a simple smile. I am talking about sending short, quick prayers with the smile.
Paul encourages it:
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1 Timothy 2:1 NLT
Pray for all people. Because:
And if they matter to God, they should matter to His children.
Wherever people are there is opportunity. The verse suggests three prayers:
1. Ask God to help them. We don’t have to know what they need – God knows.
2. Intercede on their behalf. Our asking frees God to act.
3. Give thanks for them. Because they are precious to our Father.
What if you are distracted and miss an opportunity? Our God is not bound by time. We can pray for anyone at any time and He hears us. Even after the fact.
If you can’t get someone off your mind, then pray for them.
You might be the only one who cares enough to do so.
(unknown)
We can pray anywhere:
* For safety for the other drivers in a heavy snowstorm.
* For the moaning and crying woman in the next cubicle at the doctor’s office.
* For the responders and the patient in the ambulance that just went past.
* For everyone in the grocery store, from the mother with a fussy baby to the harried clerk with the long line.
You get the idea.
But the best thing about this practice is the effect is has on me. When I’m alert to the people around me, I am aware of God’s presence with me. It’s not about me or my ability. It’s about Him.
You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! John 14:13-14 NLT
So, who’s ready to join God in changing the world,
one prayer at a time?