Have you ever had a Prayer Warrior praying on your behalf? There is something humbling, yet truly powerful about being surrounded by the prayers of others. Especially when you are at a place of high anxiety or uncertainty – sincere prayers of others usually signify love, care, and partnership through difficult times.
Lately, there seems to be a lot of acrimony and doubt at the mention of prayer – when crisis is met with the inevitable “thoughts and prayers” it is sure to be followed with a dubious eyeroll. And often for good reason. It is easy to offer “thoughts and prayers” – much easier than walking with someone through a difficult time. We can offer “thoughts and prayers” and then linger only for that moment on our friends in need, on a crisis or event, and then we can move on to our own busy lives and day-to-day activities, never looking back on that promise of prayer.
There is an amazing group of prayer warriors at St. Luke’s who take the task of prayer serious. More than once, I have needed prayer – on behalf of a family member, friend, or personal need – and these amazing pray team members have reached out to care by praying on my behalf. They have called, sent cards of concern – once, twice, three times. They have stopped me at church weeks, even months later, to offer kind words, continued prayers, and comfort. Their prayer is active, frequent, specific, and sincere. They make it a point to know me and the situation in order to lighten my burden by taking a part of it on their shoulders. It makes a difference – because at each touchpoint, I am reminded of God’s love through their actions. I am reminded of God’s unwavering presence and care for me during all my days – good and bad ones.
There is a South African Proverb that simply says: “When you pray, move your feet.” I love that so much because it reminds me that prayer is not just nice thoughts; it isn’t just well-selected words. Prayer is action, action for God, for each other, for the world.
So, let’s continue to offer “thoughts and prayers,” but let’s never, ever forget to move our feet too.
– Lori Hall, Executive Director of Missions
