I’ve heard it said that praying is a way to connect with God. He isn’t looking for big words or phrases. He just wants us to talk with Him. It’s not a “magic thing”, He desires to hear from us and help us.
That said, I swear to you, there is no “abracadabra” involved with my prayer, or even with this jar. But, this jar sure has created some unbelievable connections with people! This jar is just, “My Prayer Jar”.
A few years ago, every time I would go out for a run, I would pray for my neighbors. I would also pray for different people who would pop into my mind. That was wonderful. But, unless I stopped and spoke with my neighbor, I never really got a chance to make a connection. I never got a chance to make a connection unless I intentionally texted them. So, I decided to take things a little deeper. I created a Prayer Jar.
The jar has no magic wand. No secret potion. No special phrase. Just names of people who are contacts in my phone.
I wrote their name down on a slip of paper, and placed it into a jar. Each morning, I reach into my Prayer Jar and pray. I ask that God would help me pick out the name of someone in my life who needs prayer. I pray for the person. Then, I call or text to let them know that I’m praying for them. I write something like this.
“Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that I pulled your name out of my prayer jar today, and I’m praying for you. Is there anything specific that I can pray for you about?”
Pretty simple, right? But the stories that I’ve heard are more mind blowing than a, “Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed” TV special. Here are just a few text responses that I have received.
“Freaky timing! I am actually on the way to the ER right now. Wow! God is just so cool sometimes!”
“It is great to hear from you. I’m actually in the process of moving”.
“Oh Wow! This is wonderful timing. Our son is dealing with some heavy things”.
Crazy, right? This can only be attributed to God. And, it always leads to a deeper story because we are ALL in need of prayer!
I see this prayer jar as a simple way to connect with people. It helps me stay in contact with those I wouldn’t normally see or talk to on a daily basis.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth. -Psalm 145:18
How have you seen the answer to prayer in your life? And when did you have a moment in which you thought, “Wow, God! That was some crazy timing!” Was it by chatting with someone in the store? Sending a text? Making a call?
I highly encourage you to start your own prayer jar and watch what God will do through you. Drop me a comment and let me know if you do. I’d love to add your name to my prayer jar!
Pray continually. Go make a difference. Always run by faith.