I was chatting with someone in a parking lot the other day, just exchanging pleasantries about the weather. As we wrapped up our casual conversation, I asked them if I could pray for them. This person replied, “No, that’s not necessary. I’m doing okay.” Somebody who was walking by at the time, stopped, and said, “You can pray for me. I’m doing okay today too, but you never know what’s waiting around the corner!” The person I asked initially then said, “They’re right. Count me in!” So, we had a little prayer meeting right there in the parking lot.

After they both left, another person who heard our prayer came up to me and said, “Thank you for reminding me about the importance and the power of prayer.” This person then went on to share a testimony of a difficult and tragic time they had experienced years ago. They said, “I was in a dark and discouraging place until an old friend called me out of the blue just to say hello and let me know that they had been praying for me. I asked them to keep on praying, and I know they did!” They went on to say how encouraging it was just knowing that someone was praying for them. It strengthened them in the midst of a difficult time and helped them press on.  It was a beautiful and touching testimony. No wonder we are instructed throughout God’s word to pray for one another and encourage one another. It truly makes a difference. I like the exhortation about prayer found in Colossians 4:2

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving…

I hope that you have a great week.   I pray that you and the people you love will experience  God’s peace, grace, mercy, and strength every single day. I pray that you will know how much He loves you.

Until next time, stay strong in the faith.