Have you ever tried praying for someone? It’ll change your circumstances. And you. In fact, I think it’ll mostly change you, which will then change your circumstances. This has been my experience.

Prayer: talking to God. I know God can be a broad term. I’m talking about the God of Israel, the Creator of heaven and Earth (and you and me!), the God of the Bible, the God who brought Jesus back from the grave – thus saving all of humanity from eternal damnation.

Prayer’s important for those who claim to be followers of Jesus. Jesus taught his followers to pray when He was with them physically in the earth.

I try to pray every day – typically in the morning before my husband and dog wake and the house is quiet and it’s dark outside. Prayer can be painful. But I have noticed that it seems to make my life better. I find it’s brought healing to a friend with cancer. It’s improved my relationship with my boss and co-workers. It’s helped me be kind to my husband. And neighbors. It’s helped me give. It’s brought me peace.

Praying for people is quite an interesting endeavor, especially when you pray for people you don’t really like or get along with. I sometimes venture into prayer for customers I serve at work – boy, will that change one’s perspective. “Lord, I pray You bless Mr. So-and-So. I ask You to heal Mrs. X’s foot. I pray You help Miss So-and-So lose weight.” Then try praying for your boss. It’ll make you a better employee. “God, I pray you grant Mrs. So-and-so grace and wisdom to lead this company. Help her sleep at night. Bless her marriage and her kids. Let her prosper and enjoy her work.”

It’s hard to be mean to people or to hold a grudge when you pray for them. What if we all prayed for one another? Wouldn’t that make the world a better place? Wouldn’t it encourage you to know someone’s praying for you? Jesus prayed for you. The Bible says that the prayer of the upright is God’s delight (Proverbs 15:8) and that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16). Pray. ~