Last week was a tough one. My heart felt heavier than normal all week. My daughter still suffered with the pain of a pinched nerve. Multiple friends went through difficult trials including life threatening illnesses and marital crisis. A fellow bereaved mother experienced the death of her newborn granddaughter. How am I to respond to all this sorrow? I don’t know what to do except take each situation to Jesus.
WHAT TAKES PRIORITY
When others are suffering, I often look for something, anything I can do or say to make it better. It is easy to think of prayer as the last resort, but it is exactly what God first asks of me. I may not be able to directly change loved ones’ present situations, but prayer is something I can do. Prayer is my first priority.
MANY FORMS OF PRAYER
Repeatedly, I lift each of these people up to the throne of Heaven. Whether I pray at a hospital bed, send a text, or whisper petitions in the early morning quiet or throughout the day. Each time a name comes to mind, I ask for divine intervention and provision. I beg for God’s Holy Spirit to be present and bring comfort.
WHAT DO I PRAY?
Often, I don’t know exactly how to pray. I’m comforted by, “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” (Romans 8:26-27)
GOD’S RESPONSE
How does God respond to my prayers? One friend told me of God’s provision before their need was even known (Matthew 6:8). I experienced friends sharing laughter like good medicine in the middle of intense uncertainty (Proverbs 17:22). And my faith was challenged as another shared her invitation to a deeper grace and greater love of God as she once again walked in the dark crevasse of the Valley of Death’s Shadow (Psalm 23:4).
Prayer doesn’t always bring about immediate visible resolution. My prayers usually do not bring miraculous instant outcomes for my family and friends. They’re still dealing with the realities of their situations. But by praying, I asked Jesus to step into the pain within us. I may not understand how our life experiences weave into the greater plan and purpose of God, but I know the ultimate outcome. He will wipe away all tears! (Rev. 21:3-4)
We are invited to doggedly pray for each situation God brings to mind. Our prayers change hearts and situations, allowing us to participate in the transforming process of surrendering to God’s plan. What is the first and best thing to do first for those we care about? Pray!!!!!