When my daddy unexpectedly passed away, the most common phrase I heard was, “I’m praying for you.”

Frankly – I didn’t care.  These words were hollow and meaningless to me in those weeks of initial grief. I reached a point where I refused to open cards or take phone calls, because I just couldn’t hear “those” words again.  Don’t get me wrong – I desperately longed for prayer; I just wasn’t receiving it personally.

Because honestly, how many of us have uttered the prayer thing to someone and walked away never giving it a second thought?   Please assure me I’m not the only one.  We have sincere intentions to pray for others, yet life gets busy and complicated directing our prayer focus elsewhere.

Why do we tell someone we will pray for them instead of just praying right then and there with them? You know, put actions with our words.

In the book of James, we are reminded our faith should result in works – works flowing out from us because we are changing from within to become more like Jesus. (James 2:14-26)

Are the excuses starting in your mind?

I’m not good praying out loud.

I’m too embarrassed.

I don’t know what to say.

I might stutter or say something wrong.

Let me assure you – the person you are praying with – the one clinging to you for hope and comfort and urgency – they are not going to remember if you dangled a participle, split an infinitive, stuttered or went silent for a minute.  They probably won’t remember much of the prayers content at all.

What will be remembered is you loved them – you loved them so much you made yourself vulnerable enough to pray with them.

 Consider:

• Read the following verses:
  • Luke 3:8
  • Romans 3:7
  • Romans 9:19
  • Romans 11:19
  • 1 Cor. 15:35

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• How do the previous verses fit with James 2: 14-26?
• Read Joshua 2: 1-24
  • Make a list of Rahab’s actions.
  • Write out the reason(s) for her actions.
  • Where in your life is this kind of action needed?

Feeling ambitious?

• Trace Abraham’s life from Genesis 15 – 22.
  • List major events, travels, encounters.
  • Where is he obedient in these chapters?
  • Do you observe a progression of maturity in his life?
  • What characteristics in Abraham’s life do you want exhibited in your own life?