A Matter Of Prayer

It is always so lovely to linger after church.
There is usually someone with whom you want to catch up.
It seems to be different people each Sunday.
That is the joy of it all.

This day was no different.
In fact there were two people with whom I spoke.
It was during the second conversation, it happened.
A woman approached and stood back, so as not to interrupt.

I glanced over and smiled at her.
I had formally met her a few weeks ago.
She was so sweet.
We shared a little bit about ourselves during that initial meeting.

The woman said hello to the other woman standing with me.
She was waiting to talk to me.
She looked down at my wrist, which is still in a wrist splint.
I have been praying for you, she said pointing towards my wrist.

You told me that you were watching your granddaughter for the week, she remembered.
I was praying that all the lifting would not aggravate your wrist too much.
I was so touched by her words and the fact that she remembered.
I do remember telling her about watching my granddaughter that following week.

Thank you so much for praying, I said and meant it.
The week was wonderful and I did just fine, I told her.
I wore my splint the whole time, though, I added.
My wrist is much better, though I did have to get a cortisone shot, I admitted.

I wear the splint now to remind me to be careful with my wrist.
Certain motions still bother it a bit, I added.
Thank you again for praying for me.
That means so much to me.

I was truly touched by her prayers.
I was touched by the fact that she sought me out to check in on me.
This woman takes prayer seriously.
When she says she will pray for you, she means it.

I thought of a D.A. Carson quote as I left church.
I thought of my own prayer list.
I thought about the prayer list that keeps getting longer and longer.
I checked myself and my faithfulness to pray.

All of us would be wiser if we would resolve never to put people down, except on our prayer lists. (D.A. Carson)

The Bible says to pray continually.
Is that even possible?
Does continually mean continually?
Would we ever get anything done?

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

What does it mean to pray without ceasing?
There is much confusion on the matter.
The thought of being on your knees for hours on end, keeps people away from prayer.
We think of continuous prayer in a time frame; God thinks of continuous prayer as an attitude.

To pray without ceasing suggests a mental attitude of prayerfulness, continual personal fellowship with God, and consciousness of being in His presence throughout each day.
(taken from ESV Study Bible)

What does it mean to have a consistent prayer life?
It is talking to God throughout the day.
It is a conversation.
It is listening to God as much as talking to Him.

When we go about our day, mindful that God is with us, we will talk to Him.
We will thank Him for wonders that we see.
We will talk to Him about things on our mind.
We will ask Him for help and guidance.

Continual prayer is a posture of prayer.
It is being aware that God is always with us.
It is knowing that God hears our words as well as our hearts.
It is recognizing that we need God and others need Him, too.

That sweet woman remembered my tendonitis in my wrist.
She remembered that my granddaughter was coming for the week.
She cared enough to pray about it.
She lifted me up to the Father and I am so grateful.

Who can you pray for today?
Who needs to be lifted before the Father?
Have you told someone you are praying for them?
Have you spent time in listening prayer?

I ask myself the same questions.
Without knowing it, or even intending to, this sweet woman challenged me.
I was the recipient of her prayers.
Now, I am lovingly challenged go and do likewise.