Pray in the Spirit on all occasions. . . . With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. — Ephesians 6:18
It was an ordinary, grey, January morning. It was a Monday. I arrived in my office at church a little late, as I had switched up my morning routine to include a personal journey into Psalm 119. It’s a long Psalm and it speaks of God’s Word, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet.” This was my second week and I was diving deep and keeping a journal.
I awoke this particular morning with a heavy heart for various reasons, but nothing serious—I am a wife and mother of two teenage boys, and I probably worry too much as well. Digging into to Psalm 119 gave me the solace I needed to lift the weight of my worries that morning. By the time I began my tasks for the day, I was feeling much better. It’s amazing what God’s Word can do!
Not long after I arrived at work, I was jolted out of quiet concentration when the phone rang. I didn’t recognize the name that flashed on the caller ID, but I promptly answered it anyway. “Hello, this is Pamela.” On the other end of the call, a sweet, comforting voice stumbled slightly to introduce herself. “Hi, I’m Rhonda. I don’t know if you remember me, but my son, Jacob, came to your house to play with your boys a while ago.” I must admit, I didn’t immediately recall, but as she continued to connect the dots, I realized who she was.
The next thing she said completely floored me, “Ever since I met you, I have been praying for you.” That’s not something you hear every day from someone you met briefly and only once. I struggled to respond. I was awestruck. For a split second, I panicked… Is there something wrong that I don’t know about that she needs to be praying for me? But that senseless emotion disappeared. Then I thought, Maybe this is an angel… I realized immediately that it was certainly a blessing.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. —Hebrews 13:2
She then added, “I don’t know why, but it was just on my heart this morning to call you and let you know.” I then became the awkward one, I tripped over my tongue trying to come up with a sincere response. Initially, all I could muster was “Oh my—thank you.” There was a lump in my throat as I fought back tears. I was so surprised that someone whom I barely knew and had met only once would be praying for me. I hadn’t ask her to pray for me. I didn’t even know that she was a praying person. It simply never occurred to me.
Getting past the initial surprise, I was able to once again speak coherently to my new friend, Rhonda. The next thing she asked was if there was anything she could specifically pray for. I said no at first. I hadn’t had time to think about it, and I don’t often think to ask for prayer for myself. But as we both settled into the conversation, I did tell her that I would appreciate specific prayers. As a mother of two teenage boys, albeit good boys, I have met recent times with a few challenges, as they enter this new phase.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. —Colossians 3:12
She laughed because she is also a mother of two teenage boys—she knows just what to pray for. Our phone call lasted at least twenty minutes, and we talked about a lot of things. She told me that she just tries to be a blessing to everyone, even if it’s simply smiling at someone in the grocery store. She strives to be humble, to have humility in all situations.
Before we hung up, I told her that I would be praying for her too now. I asked her if she had specific prayer requests, and she did. I was delighted to be able to identify just how I could pray for my new friend. After receiving such blessings unawares, I could now be a blessing in her life.
When I awakened that particular morning, I would never have imagined that I would receive such an incredible blessing out of the blue. I still feel as if this stranger, this woman I had met only once, and briefly, had such a huge impact on my day, and now my week, and maybe my life. Rhonda might not have wings, but she is an angel in my life. Her act of love, by choosing to pray for me—a mere stranger—makes me realize just how important it is to love one another, to pray for one another, and to be a blessing.
So what is God saying to me? He jolted me out of a mediocre prayer life.
Praying for others is a pattern seen throughout Scripture. There are so many people and situations we can pray for. When someone comes to mind, it may be that the Spirit is nudging you to pray. Praying may come more naturally to some than to others. But all of us can pray for others. All we need is to be open to the leading of God’s Spirit.
Do you pray for others? It’s an important part of fulfilling Christ’s command to love one another—every day.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You taught us by example to pray for others. Help us to take time throughout our busy, complex days to pray for one another. Imbue us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, and empower us with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
