The other day I was at an ATM and I couldn’t help but overhear the man behind me talking on his cell phone. The conversation was (at least on his end) angry, desperate, and profane. I began to wonder what I could do to help the only thing and all I could think of was prayer. I prayed for him and made a vow to pray for anyone else I noticed was angry, desperate, and profane.
The very next day I was walking and I overheard a man standing outside his house in an angry, desperate, and profane telephone conversation. I began to pray for him as I walked. When I finished praying, I noticed a family playing tennis. In dramatic contrast to the man on the phone, this family seemed very happy in their game and with each other. That is when the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “Son, these people need prayer too.” Suddenly, it hit me. Everyone needs prayer and we are called to pray for everyone.
I have heard people say they always pray when they hear sirens or when they see a fire hydrant. While these are certainly admirable, I am issuing a new challenge; take note of every circumstance you encounter involving your fellow man and pray. Whether it be an angry cell phone conversation or a birthday party in your neighbor’s backyard- pray. Here is an idea for the next time you are in line somewhere; turn to the person behind you and say, “You go ahead of me. I have something to take care of.” Then allow the person go ahead of you and as they are using the ATM, paying for their gas, etc., pray for them.
As I shared the story about my experience on Portland Ave. with people (how I saw an elderly woman openly dealing crack in the middle of the day), I heard similar stories from people. One person told me they felt as though they were invisible as they witnessed an act of prostitution in a community garden at three o’clock in the afternoon. Perhaps we are invisible to the people arguing on their cell phones or playing tennis but we see them and so does our God. God also hears our prayers above the din of this world.
I want to start a revolution… of prayer. A prayerevolution! To join this revolution all you need to do is pray without ceasing. Take the challenge. Notice everyone you see today and pray for them. Take notes of how many times you find yourself in prayer until you lose count and keep praying.
Is this too much to ask from a people whose God delights in being asked?