Faithful on Fridays Blog

A Simple Prayer

I’ve volunteered at Vacation Bible School for years, but recently had a surprising encounter with the kids. After teaching the lesson we were instructed to discuss problems in life with our age group, 2nd and 3rd graders. Before I began the discussion I thought to myself, “Are you kidding? What kind of problems can 7 and 8 yr. olds have?” Surprisingly, two out of five children said their mommy and daddy were getting a divorce. I was saddened by their heavy hearts. 

First, that two of them answered with the same situation at home and second because they were willing to trust me with that information. I had a split second to respond so I said, “I am so sorry; I’ll pray for you.” I felt so inadequate that my answer was such a platitude. However, the truth is, I did and will pray for them. Even though it seemed insufficient, it was exactly what God wanted them to hear. I don’t know the tensions in their home life, the hurts their family is experiencing, or their fears … but God does. My purpose in that moment was to offer them hope. I prayed that God would show them His love, that He cares about what’s happening to them, and that He’ll help them through all of it. 

It’s the same for you whether you are the one who needs prayer or the one who is offering prayer. God loves you and cares about your life. Sometimes people share their burdens and you have a split second to react and the moment is gone. How will you respond?

Bear one another’s burdens. Gal. 6:2a

Here’s the clincher: if you tell someone you’ll pray for them you’d better follow through. God not only cares about those hurting but about your integrity. Offering prayer is a serious thing to God and He holds you accountable. A simple prayer can move a mountain, soften a heart, or bring true peace to a situation. Never forget that.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:13, 16 

As a retired elementary teacher I had forgotten what kids go through at home. VBS was a great way to remind me to pray for these kids and reassure them, as our leaders did all week, of the love and care of their heavenly Father. Speak a word of hope to someone this week, will you? Your neighbors, your friends, or your extended family; God wants to use you as His voice to a hurting world.

… praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18 

Make a difference in someone’s life with a simple prayer.