Ask and Pray

Learning to pray has put me in a life time classroom.  I have never made a high enough grade to be able to graduate or even think about quitting.  There is always something new to learn and to put in practice.  In the days when I pastored the Vidalia United Methodist Church, a Service of Prayers for Healing was offered monthly on a Sunday evening.  It was an announced service with a specific purpose so people who came did so because they had a need.  One of the things I learned during those Sunday evenings was the value of asking people how they wanted me to pray for them.  What I often thought was obvious was frequently wrong. 

 

Asking those who ask us to pray for them a simple question like, "How can I pray for you?" is always a helpful thing.  First, it keeps us away from our assumptions.  Secondly, it gives evidence to the one in need that their request is not being taken lightly.  And, finally, it leads us into a more focused prayer instead of the shotgun approach which is broad enough to cover every possible contingency.  People who ask for our prayers are people who need our care and anything we can do to offer genuine expressions of care is a helpful and positive thing.

 

One thing often noted is the way the moment of asking for prayers comes and goes.  It often seems to end the conversation.  It is as if there is nothing more to say after the request has been made and our assurance of prayers to be offered is given.  Instead of being a conversation closer, the moment of asking is filled with opportunity to open our heart to the one whose heart is being opened to us.  It is not a moment to be wasted, but such is often the case.  Maybe it will not be the next time.