April 30, 2009

• Shoot A Prayer

  Growing up, my first concept of prayer was feeling sympathy – and later, empathy – for a person suffering.  I remember watching kids on the playground and praying for them.  When one fell and started crying, I asked God to give me some of her pain so she felt better.  When another was having trouble keeping up in kickball, I asked God to give him some of my strength.  These little prayers may not have been efficacious, but I still find them the most sincere form of prayer.

  Shooting A Prayer is often related to ‘shooting an arrow to God’, asking him to help someone else.  These prayers are random and usually directed at strangers.  When you see an ambulance pass, and you whisper under your breath that you hope the passenger survives, that is shooting a prayer.  Once put into place in your life, it becomes an unconscious habit.

  ‘Shooting prayers’ can lead to ‘shooting prayer in action’.  God acts through us, His people, as His own body.  While we should ‘shoot prayers’ for others, we should also leap at the opportunity to do what we can for them.  If you see someone having a rotten day, offer to listen.  If someone spills their books in the hallway, stop and help them, even if it makes you late to class. 

  We were taught at a young age that its the little things – the quick actions and prayers – that really make a difference in life.  So, make it a habit to shoot a prayer for someone in distress, to help another requiring assistance (or a friend).  You’d be surprised the effect you can have on others; an infectious optimism that spreads like dawn.

   

  M

  

  • 7:57 am
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