He said, "There are over 8 billion people in the world and I seem to be spending 90% of my time dealing with your prayers!"
"Oh ..." I said, not knowing whether this was a good thing or whether He was perhaps hinting something. He soon made it clear.
"Lighten up!" He continued, "it's good that you pray for so many people but is it necessary every time to mention each one by name? I know who they are; I don't need to know their Zip Code!
"Why not group your people as appropriate? Like family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, Blog readers and contributors, and so on? This way you'll save yourself and Me a lot of time?"
"But ..." I hesitated, "they all have so many different needs!"
"And don't you think I know that?" He asked.
I'll admit He had a point. I wanted to say, "Touché" but I thought it would be impertinent so I kept quiet.
"Praying for others is good and commendable," He said to encourage me, "prayers are the best gifts people can receive and give to each other. They show a generous spirit and that we love and care for each other. As Jesus taught. But let's not go over the top. You can pray for other people any time when they come to mind. You think of a person, or you meet someone, and you know they need me in their lives; then just say a few words silently. Nothing much, just a word or two. Without them knowing about it. I'll be listening and will act on your prayers in my way and in good time."
I suddenly realised that I had been distracted in my prayers. So I continued. "Where was I? ... Oh ... Aunt Edna, Uncle Barnabas, Aunt Philomena and Uncle Jehoshaphat and their children ... now what are their names?"
...those are hard names to remember.
ReplyDeleteYour name is easy enough to remember in my prayers, Tom.
DeleteGod bless.
I tend to get distracted, and praying for people when their names pop into my head works for me.
ReplyDeleteI now ask all my relatives to wear badges with their names on so I can remember who they are in prayers. I used to say to God "and that cousin with the wart on her nose!" Now it's more personal and I pray for "Ethel".
DeleteGod bless, K.
Ooh thanks for this one. So many many people and friends of people and friends of those friends are asking for prayers….which is a good thing….. but my Catholic guilt rears up if I don’t list everyone. I like the suggestion of categories and then there will always be those special intentions that need to be named !
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday everyone!
Yes Maureen; I like categories. So when I say to God, "look after my family please" it includes all the new babies that have been born and I have still to meet. It's an all inclusive contract that covers everyone under the "family" umbrella. Including cousins several times removed ... yet they keep coming back!
DeleteGod bless.
God hears all our prayers, even when we forget to say them out loud or inadvertently leave someone out. He knows our needs before we ask. Blessings, Victor!
ReplyDeleteIf He knows our needs before we ask, then why pray?
DeleteGod bless, Martha.
Hermoso relato, yo no le pido a Dios porque el sabe de nuestras necesidades, le doy las gracias por estar en nuestras vidas y ayudarnos en los momentos difíciles .
ReplyDeleteBesos, un gusto encontrar tu blog, te sigo
TRANSLATION: Beautiful story. I don't pray to God because he knows our needs. I thank him for being in our lives and helping us through difficult times.
DeleteKisses. It's a pleasure to find your blog. I'm following you.
It's nice to see you visiting here Momentos. And thank you for following this Blog. I hope you enjoy what we write and discuss here.
Yes, we should thank God always for what He has done for us and for loving and caring for us so.
God bless you.
I like categories, they would work for me.
ReplyDeleteCategories help me too, Bill.
DeleteGod bless always.
Thinking about others, saying a prayer for them does not all have to be done at the same time, and I do often put people into groups.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a peaceful week.
All the best Jan
Yes, grouping people into families, friends etc ... helps.
DeleteGod bless, Jan. Happy Week.
Praying for each as you go along and meet them or as they come to your mind helps with the "pray without ceasing" part. You always have someone to pray for, whomever you are with, or whoever's blog you are reading, and so on.
ReplyDeleteYes, there's always someone needing prayers. God bless, Mimi.
DeleteI'm so grateful the Lord has a limitless memory for names! All the same, I pray throughout the day whenever someone or something comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteGod must be getting very busy listening to all those prayers from so many people. How does He prioritise them, Mevely?
DeleteGod bless.
I pray like that. When a name pops into my head I say a little prayer. I also have a prayer list that I pray every day. I was always taught when praying to be specific. Nothing is too small or too big for our God!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHere's a name to pop into your head. Victor. He needs your prayers too.
DeleteGod bless, K.
You know Victor I wonder about this all the time. I try to have a master list and pray all at once - but then as their name comes up in my head I pray for them that way too. I feel a little guilty when I do the group prayer tho.
ReplyDeleteNever feel guilty about prayers, Sandie. Prayer is prayer; it is a way for you to ask God to protect and take care of your loved ones. Whether it is prayed individually, or in groups, it still shows God that you care, that you love, and wish your best for your friends and relatives. God smiles at that; and responds to our prayers.
DeleteGod bless you.