Shopping, Christmas, and Prayer Lists
Milk. Coffee, Apples. Brownies.
Do you make lists too? We make lists for shopping, projects to complete, and Christmas. We make lists for lists. Sometimes I make a grocery list, only to arrive at the store and realize I left my list on the kitchen counter.
What about prayer lists? Does your prayer list resemble the others, like a checklist?
Last time we talked about selecting a word as a theme to guide our living in 2024. Taking another step of intentionality, let’s look at selecting passages to pray for people in our lives. One of the best places I have found is in the Apostle Paul’s prayers. I marvel that the man who suffered physical and relational hardships, prays for higher purposes than his personal relief and resolution to challenges. He offers deep prayers for life change for the people he loved. In writing to the Colossians, he prays:
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1: 9-12 NIV emphasis mine)
What areas of life change would we see if we prayed in the same way for ourselves and others?
- Asking God to fill us with knowledge, wisdom and understanding
- Pleasing God in every way
- Bearing fruit
- Being strengthened with power
- Have endurance and patience
In 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 (NIV), Paul prays,
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
- To know God’s love, grace, encouragement, and hope
- To be encouraged and strengthened in work and communication
Pray your friend would know God’s love in discouragement and find grace to walk in her challenge; to be encouraged today and find hope In God. That regardless of circumstances, she would access God’s strength in her interactions.
There are other prayers in Paul’s letters too. Consider reading them and find the prayers he prayed. Insert your name or the names of people you love and make those verses your prayers.
There are definitely times in our day where we pray specifically for safety, a concern, or crisis, and it may feel like checking off items on a shopping list. We are invited to come boldly to His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) with everything. God welcomes and hears us.
What are your thoughts about praying scripture?
If you are widowed or know a widow, consider taking a look at Marilyn’s latest release, Hope for Widows: Reflections in Mourning Living and Change. Sixty-five readings offer connections in your grief, guiding you to hope, grace, and friendship on an unfamiliar path.
The Conversation
Much appreciated Ms. Marilyn. I used to think that I prayed Scripture to remind God of His promises. The more I grew in Christ, I realized that I’m praying them to remind ME of His promises. Is there any greater honor than praying intercession for a friend or loved one? Is there any greater comfort than praying God’s nearness and guidance in your life?
Yes- reminding myself of His promises gives me courage, comfort, and increased faith. To answer your question-no greater privilege and honor than to pray for someone else. Thank you for sharing your insights, JD. Marilyn
I prayed Scripture over my children as they were growing up, and still do on occasion. Thanks for the example of using Paul’s prayer in 2 Thess 2: 16-17 to pray for friends who need hope and encouragement – applicable for a range of situations.
Marilyn, as you reminded us, we can take all of our needs and those of others to the Father, but praying for a deeper walk with Christ while basing our requests on Scripture is powerful. The process helps us pray and reminds us of how God leads us to grow in Christ.
I have a prayer list app I use. But, it is not to check off prayer as done like with a grocery list. It helps me remember things or people I need to cover in prayer. Thank you for your message today Marilyn.
I’m a list maker, but I don’t make a prayer list often enough. Thank you for your inspiring reminder.
I love to pray Scripture because then I know it aligns to God’ heart because it comes from His Word.
Thanks for the reminder to pray God’s powerful Word.