My suit and tie in the 100 degree weather prompted a conversation with a fellow the other day in a parking lot.  He saw my attire and figured I must be a preacher.  As we visited, he told me about his wife of many years who is having some medical issues and how he is very concerned about her.  He teared up as he spoke of his love for her and about some of the things she is going through as she deals with her health problems.  He asked me if I would put her on our prayer list at church.  I assured him I would do that and I asked him if he would like to pray “right now.”  He said, “Could we?”  So we prayed together right then and there in the parking lot.  We asked for God for help, strength, mercy and comfort for all involved in the situation.  Later as I reflected on our meeting, I was reminded of what the Bible says in Psalm 46:1

Psa 46:1   God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

While it is a good thing to put our concerns on prayer lists, we don’t have to wait for a prayer meeting to share our cares and concerns with the Lord.  We can call upon Him anytime we need Him.  Our God promises to empower us and help us in our times of trouble.  He promises to be our refuge and our strength!  He promises to be right there with us when we need Him the most – even in the parking lot.