WHEN I REMEMBER

"Philemon, verse 4 says, "When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God."


"These words of Paul as he wrote to his friend and co-worker for the Lord are important for us also to remember.  He says, "When I remember you in my prayers."  That means when God calls to our mind a person or a situation, we are to listen to His call and respond.  We are not necessarily to  pray in rote for everyone and every situation as a memorized list but in sincerity waiting for God's leading.  If it's important enough for God to bring it to our mind we are to be obedient servants and pray.


"This is really important to me, for through the years I've been blessed with many Christian friends that I  have prayed with, traveled with, laughed with, or cried with.  God knew that each and every one of them was important, and still is.  However, there are too many to pray for every day so I trust the Lord to bring to my mind those who are in need of prayer.  When someone asks me to pray for them, I tell  them, "I promise I will pray for you every time God brings you to my mind."  I can keep that promise.


"Lord Jesus, make my heart receptive for your bringing to mind those that need prayer or praise.  AMEN."


These words of Jerry are straight from his heart. But, I would add just a bit.  I know of many, usually women, who do pray from a list. Perhaps they are stay-at-home moms who have set aside a special prayer time for themselves and have made arrangements for their children during that time.  You can imagine the difficulty of trying to be quiet and pray for friends who have asked you to pray for them, while at the same time trying to be a good mom.  Nothing is perfect, so a list for promised prayers may help cut down the time needed for prayer.  God doesn't find fault when we pray. Either way, it's fine!! Just pray!


When I was a beginning pray-er and learn-er, God woke me up in the middle of the night to read the word and pray.  I was up each night for about an hour, say from two to three, and never missed the sleep! My heart was just bursting with joy in the Lord! I thank Him to this day for those nights!  I hope and pray you are comforted, too, by your own unusual prayer time!!


Jo INMN