Monday, February 27, 2023
“Pray for a Longtime Friend”
On the first Monday of Lent, our challenge is to pray for someone we’ve known for a long time. How long? That’s up to you, but my guess is that your first instinct is the person that needs your prayers.
Oh, just because they’ve come into mind doesn’t mean that your person is struggling with something big. In fact, our call to pray for someone could benefit us more than it benefits them. Sometimes, we need a specific reminder (like today’s challenge) to become better accustomed to praying for someone.
What should you say in your prayer? Again, that’s up to you, but let me offer two suggestions. First, thank God for putting them in your life. The joys, celebrations, sorrows and/or trials that you experienced together have been significant to both of you. Even if years have passed since your last communication with them, they are still a vital link to your story.
Second, pray for them. You might consider praying for their health needs, their employment (or lack thereof), or the struggles they may be experiencing with family members or personal matters. Even if you don’t know something specific they may need, you can still pray for them because God already knows what they need!
It’s a great start to a Monday, and it’s a great start to the Lenten Season! Pray for a longtime friend and give God great thanks for providing special people in our lives!
“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)
