Over the past week I have heard several versions of the phrase “I’m praying for you” during the loss of my grandmother. I have received cards, e-mails, and Facebook messages all giving some sort of rendition of the phrase.
Now, I know that most of the people who left me those messages probably meant every word when they said it. But it got me to thinking. How many times do I tell someone that I’ll be praying for them during a serious struggle or loss in their lives and how many times do I actually do it? I can count just within the past month several times I have said that same phrase to someone and then left it at that. No further thought. No prayer. I lied to them in their time of need. They needed my prayer and I told them I would talk to the Father and I let them down.
Let me be the first to say that I made a mistake and let me be the first to encourage us all to live up to that promise when we make it to someone. If we’re not going to pray for someone, don’t tell them we will. If we do tell them we’ll pray for them, let’s do it and let’s do it with a sincere heart.
Thank you to those who prayed for me and my family over the past week. Your prayers were felt and greatly appreciated.
Richard, I heard a speaker at a Ladies Retreat say almost this very thing about 20 years ago, and it hit a chord with me! Wow! I had done exactly the same thing. Since then, I have tried to remember that if I said I will pray, then I will do it. Oh, yes, there are still plenty of times I just flat forget, but hopefully, I am doing better.
This is a good reminder for all of us. Thank you!
Donna
By: Donna Root on October 4, 2010
at 17:31