Previous | Next 

The value of little prayers

Donna Reidland

How many hours a week do you spend waiting – waiting in line at the bank or grocery store; waiting at the doctor’s office, the hair salon or the auto repair shop; waiting for a friend or client at lunch; waiting for soccer practice to end; waiting in traffic? How many hours do you spend doing mundane chores that require little thought? How many snatches of time are lost that could be filled with brief prayers of thanksgiving, petition or praise? Such mini-prayers should not take the place of quality time with God, but they can add to it and help us live out Paul’s command to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Why not let the world around you suggest prayer opportunities? Here are a few possibilities:

When you hear an emergency siren, pray for the victims – their protection, their healing and their salvation. Ask God to use the situation for good in their lives. When kissing your child or spouse goodbye, pray for God’s blessing, favour and protection. Pray that your children will have the courage to resist peer pressure and will know that God is always with them. When waiting in line at a drive-in restaurant, pray for the young person serving you. You might be the only person who does. If someone cuts in front of you on the highway, follows too closely or zigzags in and out of traffic, pray for that person’s protection and the protection of those around him. It’s hard to be angry when you are praying. Lost in an unfamiliar area? Pray for the spiritually lost there, as well as for God’s help to find your way. When you have a near miss on the road, thank God for His protection. When pulling weeds, planting flowers or mowing the grass, thank God for His creation. If you find yourself with little ones under foot, the laundry piling up and the phone ringing, stop and ask God to guide your steps and give you His peace. Heading out on a car trip or an hour of carpooling? Turn off the radio and pray that God will direct your steps (Proverbs 16:9) and that His angels will watch over you and others on the road (Psalm 91:11). When asking God’s blessing over a meal, thank Him for the family or friends surrounding you. When eating alone, praise Him for moments of solitude. When folding clothes, pray for the wearers. Baking for a church or school fundraiser? Pray for those who will buy and eat your goodies. On your way to church or school, pray for those who will teach the lessons. On your way to the grocery store or mall, pray for wisdom to spend wisely. When you pass a hospital, school or homeless shelter, pray for those inside. When passing a government office, pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3) and for your nation, province and city. When paying bills, ask God to multiply your finances so you can meet the needs of your family and help others. When searching the cupboards for a snack or preparing a meal, thank God for His provision, and pray for those who do not have enough to eat. When you are sick, pray for those in worse condition. The Lord restored Job after he prayed for his friends (Job 42:10). When running errands or doing household chores, thank God for the opportunity and ability to serve. While waiting for someone who is late, pray for people in your life who are difficult to love. Trouble falling asleep? Thank God for the day that just passed, and praise Him that He is the God who never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4). Is there someone you have come in contact with who is unpleasant or even rude? Pray for him or her, for salvation, healing and forgiveness. If you are the one frustrated, depressed or confused, take a minute and pray. If you have treated someone rudely or unfairly, ask for God’s forgiveness, then offer a sincere apology to the person. When you go to bed each night, thank your heavenly Father that He gives sleep to those He loves (Psalm 127:2). When you wake each morning, say as the Psalmist did, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Donna Reidland is a freelance writer from Port Arthur, Tex.

Previous | Next 

Last modified November 29, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.