Prayer Lists

I have met many a person who prays with a prayer list.   I do so myself.  Sometimes they can become unwieldy in that they become so long it is almost impossible to pray for everyone each time we pray.  Church bulletins are notorious for long prayer list.  There are so many names and the names stay on the list long after the need is no more.  When Aunt Susie who died six months ago is still on the list, it might be a clue that the prayer list needs some attention.  Our own personal prayer list can become a useless tool as well if we are not careful.   

One thing we can do to make our prayer list a more effective tool is to make it one where names and concerns are added and deleted.  There is nothing virtuous or spiritual about having a page long prayer list.  It can also be helpful to date each entry and then at some point to write a note about the way God responded to the issue of our praying.  It is always encouraging to have a record of the way God is at work in the lives of those for whom we have concerns as well as through our prayers.   

Another helpful thing to do when someone asks us to pray is to pray for them immediately instead of taking their concern home to pencil it in at the bottom of the list.  When someone ask us to pray, a good thing to do regardless of where we are is to say to them, "Let us pray right now," and then pray.  A final suggestion is to ask the person who is seeking our prayers, "How can I pray for you?" and then when praying to ask the Holy Spirit to help and direct the praying.  We do not always know how to pray for someone in need and asking is a good way to keep our prayers focused on the real need and the will of God.