“… we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”
I read those verses and want to be a better pray-er for people.
I cry out prayers to God when I need something or diligently pray for others when my life slows down enough for me to have the time.
But I want more.
I want prayer to be my default.
I want prayer to be my default regardless of circumstances around me or the mood inside of me. I want prayer to be my default for my husband, my kids, my closest friends, the strangers I meet, and the people who make me want to run the other way. I want prayer to be the foundation of my decisions, my reactions, and my conversations.
So I organized my prayers into a box – not to trap them inside, but so I could remember to take them to God.
Inspired by an acquaintance’s Facebook post, I bought a stack of index cards, a box to store them, and dividers to organize them. I made categories that made sense for my own life – friends, family, school, adoption group, small group, new moms, writer friends, blog readers – and then started jotting down prayer requests, details of situations, and updates as they happen on cards.
I also created a section for answered prayers, where I’ll move cards to remember God’s faithfulness.
“‘…I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.’ Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”
God’s ways are not our ways.
There’s heartbreak and brokenness around us. People are waiting and hoping for what’s still to come. Sometimes relationships foster pain while others bring great joy. This world is filled with real people who have human emotions and reactions.
God can use it all for his good and our good. And sometimes covering it – whatever it is today – in prayer is all we can do. Perhaps, rather, covering it in prayer is what we get to do for each other.
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So, friend who so kindly gather on my virtual porch here, how can I pray for you? Share in the comments or send me an email, and I’ll add you to my box.
And, if you have a few minutes, please fill out this survey about you and my blog. I’m loving this community God has created here and want to get to know more about you. Plus you’re entered to win a $30 Amazon gift card when you complete the survey.
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I so want prayer to be my default too, Kristin. I can completely relate. The index cards and box idea is wonderful. I may have to try that. What a great reminder it would be sitting on my desk where I could see it throughout the day. Thanks for the inspiration :)!
You’re welcome! I hope this method works well for you too. I’m glad you’re here today!
My Luddite-paper-and-pencil-loving heart is just right in love with your plastic box full of prayers. I’ve been using a small three-ring notebook for ages. It has dividers for days of the week and family, etc. There have been times when I’ve put it aside, but I always come back to it, because it helps me to be intentional in praying for the important people in my life.
I too used a small 3 ring notebook with pages of the week to put in my activities for the day and then a section for prayers at the end of that section. I’ve used this off and on for many years, based on a book that I read. I can’t remember the title, but it had been successful for me, despite the lapse of time since I’ve utilized it. I think it’s time to take it up again. I want to be disciplined about my life and this method works well. The idea of the box with index cards is another method that makes sense.
Sounds like a good system, Kathy! I just needed something to help me focus & remember. Thanks for being here today.
Ah, yes, that’s a system that would work for me too. I need it written down in front of me. I do pray for people sometimes right then, but I want to remember things later too. Glad you’re here, Michele!
First of all I love you. Love the box. Loved the survey (I’m sure you’ll know which one is me). Love the linkup.
Well, you’re sweet, and I love you right back, friend. xo
I love this idea, Kristin. I think this shall be my project for the next couple evenings. Prayer is very much something I want to be more natural in my life… to be my first response in all things.
Love you.
Beth
Yes, more natural! That’s where I am too. Gosh, I love seeing your face here in the comments today. I miss you!
What a fantastic idea! I get so overwhelmed in prayer sometimes, and often try to lift up prayer right on the spot – lest I forget. I’m horrible about writing things down though – which is probably why I forget. 😉 Thanks for sharing your strategy, friend.
Yes, I do some praying on the spot too – like when I read a post or something like that, but I really want to remember things too. 🙂 This system is simple enough that it doesn’t overwhelm, which is good. 🙂 I’m glad you’re here, Tiffany!
praying hard for a dear young man close to our family who doesn’t believe in God; and praying for a retreat center in Seattle that doesnt have even women signed up yet for their retreat may 5 and I’m the speaker and I am an unknown quantity! thanks for asking and for praying! and for your hosting each week when all else you need to manage! x
I added those things to my prayer box. I’m glad you shared those needs here. And I’m glad you show up here each week. xo
“I want prayer to be my default regardless of circumstances around me or the mood inside of me.” Me, too, Kristin! I think the idea of a prayer box is great. A friend made one for me and sent it at Christmastime. I haven’t made us of it yet, but you have reminded me of it. I pray a lot throughout the day, but I want to get back to a longer time of prayer each day, and the prayer box will be a great aid for that.
Blessings to you!
I also like being able to remember details as I check in with people about what they asked me to pray for. I’m glad you could be encouraged here, Gayl!