The Prayers of a Friend

A friend sent me an email yesterday telling about an adviser to Winston Churchill during World War II who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace.

I've been thinking a lot about prayer lately, particularly as I find myself wanting to DO something about the people and situations in my life.

There are so many things beyond my control: my mom's and grandpa's and sister-in-law's cancer, the struggles at my kids' school, a student who's traveling down the wrong path, my kids' taking finals.....I am a "do"er, but there isn't a whole lot I can do to "fix" any of these things.

Consequently, I find myself in a constant state of prayer. One of these people or situations will come to my mind and I'll pray: for peace, for guidance, for healing, for hope, for faith, for patience. It brings me comfort to know that I am doing something, really all I can for them...turning it over to God, who I believe has His hand over all things. And I believe that God hears and responds.

The power of prayer. It is a mighty thing, I think, and a powerful tool to use in behalf of another.

I find myself increasingly touched by people who tell me "I'm praying for you." It seems to me a precious thing that a person would exercise their faith in my behalf.

Orrin Hatch wrote a song called "I'll Pray For You" that I think of often these days. The chorus goes:
So I'll pray for you
and you pray for me.
Together we'll both see us through
We'll not suppose
Only God truly knows
What the prayers of a friend can do.