"I'm Praying for You"

"I'm praying for you." 

Most of us who are believers have said this or heard it be said. What a comforting statement. I know, for me, it is the most comforting thing for me to hear. To know someone is approaching the Father on my behalf is not only humbling, but comforting to know that people are praying for me.

Sadly, I have told people I am praying for them and haven't. I either had no intention of ever praying for them, just said it as a "passing statement", or simply forgot. After going through cancer, I have tried to be much more mindful when saying this statement.

I not only say it less, but I pray a lot more. I know that is sad (the irony), but I want to be a prayer warrior. I want people to know I will pray.

Making it possible

But here's the other integral part of prayer- being still long enough to pray. If you aren't still very often or aren't able to find a calm in the storm, chances are you don't pray very much. Don't hear me as judging. That is not how I mean it at all. That is just how it made sense to me and I have been and am one of these people very often.

With my PhD, graduate assistantship, my marriage, job, family, friends, I could fill up my time with a million other things. I know many friends who have kids that would literally laugh in my face when talking about "quiet time." But I have looked at my life in the past and even as I have made more concerted efforts for rest and quiet, I can see a lack of prayer life.

How?

This past week, we were blessed to be able to go to the beach with my family. I love the beach. I love getting away most. I love spending time with my husband and family. I normally read a book on the beach, or cuddle up in the condo and watch TLC or HGTV, and I did do some of that. And I think it is wonderful to do this.

With my sweet nephew, Liam. He loved it!

But this trip was different. I spent much time on the beach in silence. I really didn't read much or even talk that much while on the beach. I thought and prayed. I had much to pray about. Many people to pray for. I was reminded that in order to pray, to contemplate, to meditate, I need to be quiet. I need to minimize distractions.

Loved a little family putt-putt! I won!

Does this mean I need to go to the beach every so often? Yes! Absolutely! haha...not quite, but wouldn't that be nice???? What it showed me was- WOW- all the praying and contemplating that could be done if I slowed down enough and was quiet enough to listen and to pray.

I want to be a prayer warrior. I've never really considered myself that. I will pray, but to truly speak life over, read scripture over, meditate over and bring others before the throne of God- I desire that. I wouldn't consider myself that.

It doesn't mean that being a "prayer warrior" isn't my gifting. It simply means I haven't given myself ample opportunity to become a prayer warrior. We can all be prayer warriors.

The whole crew one night...can we please go back?!

So, I encourage you. REALLY start praying for others. I've started journalling after reading a spiritual journaling book and it is really encouraging me. I want to move heaven on someone's behalf. I have the power to! All the prayers that may have been answered and those that are yet to be answered if I just take the time to pray! To really pray!

Doing some journaling at the beach...

Let's be prayer warriors. And in the mean time, enjoy a few more of my beach pictures from our amazing beach week!

Liam's favorite part was the ocean!

This was after our fun trip to the waterpark, and then a little Target expedition

Let's be determined to pray,



Aly