“Let’s Pray” (02/14/2025)

I ran to the grocery store for some fresh fruit and vegetables for the family gathering that day. I had a lot on my mind. My sister’s cancer was not responding as the doctors had hoped, my mother was struggling with losing her home and moving to assisted living, and my sister-in-law was still struggling with losing her husband. I was trying to select the right strawberries when I felt a tap on my arm. It was Lois. She asked me how I was doing, and I am afraid I was like a fully opened spigot. She listened attentively, never interrupting. When I finished, she simply said, “Let’s pray.”

And we did. I’d never had anyone do that. I’d had myriads of people tell me over the years that they would pray for me, but I’d never had anyone say, “Let’s pray” and then do just that. She took my two hands, held them in hers, and began the most beautiful and heartfelt prayer for me and my loved ones. I listened to her words, simple words, no formula prayer, words specific to my concerns. And I felt heard, not just by the LORD but also by Lois.

I looked around. Other shoppers were aware of what was happening, but I could sense their peace with what we were doing. It made sense, even in the produce aisle.

That day, I learned a huge lesson. Pray with others, don’t just promise to pray for others. I owe Lois a huge thank you for teaching me this lesson and for showing me how powerful it is.

As we journey in faith, buoyed by hope in our LORD, and fueled by love for our LORD and for our sisters and brothers, let us be bridges between our sisters and brothers and the LORD. Let us take the time to truly listen to the concerns and needs of others and then with them pray to the LORD for help.

I pray this morning that we could all learn to respond to the needs of others by saying, “Let’s pray.” I hope that we can all use these moments to bring others to Christ and Christ to others in a real and meaningful way.

After our prayer, Lois bid farewell to me before continuing her shopping. As she did, she assured me that she would continue to pray for me. And I knew she would.

Prayer is such a powerful weapon in our spiritual lives. Let us use it when we encounter the need with those whose needs we see. Let us not reserve it for pew time only.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.