"We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy," - Colossians 1:11 NLT
We are well into the summer. Temperatures have warmed up significantly, kids are home eating kitchen cupboards and refrigerators dry, somehow the traffic hasn't let up, new laws are now enacted in our state of Florida, and most things are on break. What doesn't give a break, however, is life. As they say on the social media streets, "life be lifin'."
I am reminded daily how much we do not know about each other. We don't know about the challenges, insecurities, unrealized dreams, wounds, burdens, aspirations, disappointments, lack, and desires we carry. We fail oftentimes to recognize for every noble act there's a sacrifice so enormous it feels almost normative. We miss the look in a pair of tired eyes, the slump of shoulders, the innocent forgetfulness, the missing energy in a voice.
It is no fault of our own. We miss much of what is happening with others because we are consumed with what is happening with us.
Well, here's a crazy thought!
What if, for the rest of the summer, we commit to pray for others? I don't just mean a general sweep of, "Lord, bless those around me - bless my family, bless my church family..." What if we make a list of 3 persons and commit to pray deeply and intentionally for them each day? What if we allow ourselves to be encouraged by praying for victories, strength, endurance, and provisions for three persons each day?
Who will be your three? When will you pray for them?
Let's really see each other this summer by praying for each other the way the apostle, Paul, prayed intentionally for each church.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Cam.