At church this morning, someone from a local mission spoke to us. He
said that the mission needs prayers because one day is not like
another, and each day it serves two-hundred meals.
Should I pray for the mission daily? I’m reluctant to pray for
anyone daily, since then it becomes perfunctory. I used to pray for
certain people each day, and it became like reading a phone book. I
also wonder when (or if) I can drop someone off of my prayer list: do I
have to pray for so-and-so for the rest of my natural life? The list
could get really long if that is the case, or I would be hesitant to add
people to the list!
I find it more meaningful, heart-felt, sincere, and empathetic on my
part when I pray for someone right after that person comes to my mind.
For example, I heard about the mission this morning, and so I prayed for
the mission then, or I pray for it whenever it comes to my mind. I
trust that God can bring to my remembrance people for me to pray for,
and that any prayer that I offer can be effective.
Perhaps that sounds selfish on my part, but that’s how I pray for others, in this season of my life.