Prayer: Everyone Needs It

Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well

so we can be quietly about our business of living simply.

I Timothy 2:1-2

In the last few months, I’ve recognized the need for prayer like never before.

My motivation started when I learned of a 14-year-old boy diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. I have never met this boy although he lives in a neighboring town. But what really struck me is that I have a boy this same age.

I seemed to feel some of his mother’s pain and desperation. We pray for this boy daily to be healed. He needs a miracle that can be accomplished through prayer.

Soon after, God began to show me others in need. Some I have met. Some I haven’t.

While I’d like to say that I have a prayer closet where I can go and spend hours. That’s not how I pray. Most of my prayers are only a few sentences at a time. And they come at odd times during the day — not necessarily in one sitting.

I pray while I drive my boys to school. I pray again with them at bedtime. We pray at meals. And I pray whenever the urge hits, I could be brushing my teeth, walking, worshipping or any other activity.

As I studied I Timothy, the verse today jumped out at me. A new U.S. president takes office this week. I’ve never really been interested in politics. I have no emotional attachment like I might have to a child in need. However, we’re commanded to pray for our rulers so we can live quietly.

A timely reminder, I thought. So whether you have an hour or a few minutes, take time to pray.

How can you work more prayer into your day? Who needs your prayer today?

Stacy