“Can we pray for her? Because I think she really needs some prayer.” Youth group was ending and we were dismissing the students. I had been rather honest about my struggles with anger and frustration. Apparently it was clear enough that one of our youth thought I needed prayer. And I did. I still do. I will continue to need them until this chapter comes to an end. Truth is, I will always need them. This life has seasons that are easier and more rewarding than others, but they all come with needs to meet. What stood out to me was that I, as one of the youth leaders, was exhibiting enough stress, anger, and sadness, that the youth knew to pray. While it struck me first as an indictment of what I had shared, the look in her eyes was clearly one of care and concern. Today I am thankful for the prayers of others. I am thankful that others care enough to know when those prayers are desperately needed.
So often when in church, or prayer group, or just social circles, we are not willing to admit that we need prayer. We will ask for prayer for family, friends, and even strangers whose misfortunes we have seen on the news. Perhaps, if it is a physical health issue, we will mention it, but if it is a mental health issue or anything else that we consider a weakness, we shy away from talking about it. After all, we are capable of handling this on our own, and no one really needs to know how much we are struggling, right? To open ourselves up enough that people can see the raw pain is difficult for many reasons. All of our emotions get tied up into how strong we appear to others, with pride and fear leading the way.
We all know that pride and fear never move us forward, never set up a good scenario for us. Still, they stay around ready to pounce at any opportunity. It is beyond humbling to have someone 20 years younger realize your need for prayer. It also is deeply touching. It means we are being seen and heard. What a gift. Rather than view it as weakness, God enabled me to see it as a gift.
Not long before youth group began, I had asked for prayer from two very dear friends. Without hesitation they offered up prayers for my well being. It was easier to ask these two to pray because we have shared so much together. It is still a precious gift to know that others are praying for me.
Paul ask for prayer in many of his letters. In Ephesians 6:18-19 he states, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mine, be alert and always keep on praying for all the lord’s people. Pray also for me.” Yes and amen. Tonight I am grateful that we can pray for each other. I am even more grateful that there are people who love me enough to stop and pray for me. I am also convinced that it is time to start being willing to share the hurts, fears, and emotions that are weighing us down . Pray for each other and and let others pray for you. We all have issues that are making life harder, sharing them with others makes those burdens so much easier to bear.
How can I pray for you?
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