This morning I sat in a waiting room within earshot of an older gentleman talking to who seemed to be a family friend. He shared with his friend a recent experience of getting hit with some challenging, unfortunate health news, twice, back-to-back. The gentleman’s friend seemed to be at a loss for words. His initial response was an uneasy groan. When the friend spoke he cleared his throat to muster out a ‘Wow’. Even I was a little choked up…and I was eavesdropping. The older gentleman’s wife joined the conversation and reiterated everything her husband said, however, with the love and anguish that only a caring wife could express. Yet, there were no tears, no anger nor attitude of defeat. What I could feel, sitting inches from them, was strength, rooted strength, in the midst of their circumstance. Then, suddenly, I felt the urge, the compelling, to pray – for a stranger. I closed my eyes and I prayed silently, intently, right where I sat. I prayed for the older gentleman, his wife, his loved ones and family. The spirit of prayer didn’t let go of me, there was still an urge to continue in prayer. So my eyes stayed closed and my heart opened a little wider and I silently prayed, right where I sat, for all those in the room, for their friends and loved ones, by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Before leaving the room, I felt a little lighter, not as heavy as I was when I first entered. And I was grateful. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:1,

“Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them.” (The Living Bible)

This week’s Prayer Assignment:

Throughout the week pray for those in your midst, strangers – on your job, in the grocery line, in the doctor’s office, at school, while in traffic, at a sporting event, in a waiting room. Pray for God’s goodness, grace and mercy to hover over them, to keep them, to spill over in every circumstance and situation they may encounter. And, as we do for ourselves, thank God in advance for all that He will do in the life of that stranger. Pray, intently, with belief. What a selfless blessing you will give that will yield much more than silver and gold! Go ahead, pray for a stranger.

Prayer works! Complete the prayer assignment and watch God move in your midst. You can do this!