Thoughts that Lead to Prayer (04/10/2026)

When my children were small, we’d do neighborhood “walking prayers.” We’d walk down the sidewalk in our small city, and as we’d pass the front walk of a home, we’d name the people who lived there, and we’d say a prayer for them. We got our exercise, we remembered with love our neighbors, and we offered our most powerful gift, prayers.

Recently, I learned of a woman who prays for others when she encounters something that reminds her of them like a gift or a photo. I loved the idea because most of my home furnishings and accessories remind me of the one who gave it to me or of moments I shared with others around them. When I look at my kitchen table, I think of my family that grew up around it and give thanks to the LORD for them and their love and ask for blessings and grace for them. When I select a vase for my flowers, I think of the one who gave it to me (all my vases have been gifts), and I give thanks for the moment of the gift, for the love of the giver, and ask for their care and protection.

At mass, I usually sit at the front of church. And after my prayer of thanksgiving after communion, I look at those in communion line and pray for them. They are part of the living body of Christ. I hold them in my eye, my heart, and my prayer.

How could we be instruments in the LORD’s divine plan for peace and wholeness and holiness for us all? I think one of the most profoundly beautiful and meaningful ways is to think of another, hold them in love, and offer them and their needs to the LORD for grace and guidance.

Give it some thought. Give it a try.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.