“You are where you are because someone prayed for you.”

I heard that recently on XM radio and I have been reflecting on that ever since. I started by wondering who prayed for me? The usual people came to mind, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. Then my thoughts moved to who do I pray for? Again, the obvious: husband, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, extended family members, friends, etc. I remember especially precious moments cradling my newborn sons and my newborn grandchildren in quiet moments bathing them in prayer. When COVID invaded our lives and I couldn’t go into hospitals, God put it on my heart to take my family and walk around Novant Huntersville hospital praying when one of our covenant partners was a very sick patient there. We not only prayed for him, but all the patients and employees. Remembering that, my thoughts moved to the people I pray for whom I don’t know. The lady who put back the $2 peanut butter at Aldi’s because she didn’t have enough money. The people who stand at intersections with cardboard signs. The young moms exhausted by the day’s tasks. The roofer who asked in broken English if he could plug in his microwave on our porch so he could warm his lunch. The list goes on and on. Today, I started to become annoyed following an out of state car going 30 mph in a 45. Because I have been so focused on prayer lately, my frustration turned into prayer for those in that car and I felt peace that only God can give.

Who prayed for you? Who do you pray for? Prayer is mentioned in the Bible over 650 times, I encourage you to take some time to ponder people and prayer. I’ve been doing it for a couple weeks and it has changed me. By the way, I am praying for you.