Don't Tell Me You'll Pray For Me

Don’t tell me you’ll pray for me.

Don't tell me you’ll take time out of your day for me.

Don’t get my hopes up that I’m taken care of.

Don’t lead me to believe that I was on your heart at night when you were alone and had every opportunity to lift me up to God.

If you have plans to stare at Netflix all night, don’t convince me you’ll do otherwise.

Don’t feed me empty words in a pursuit of temporary consolation.

How often does it cross your mind that someone may not actually be praying for you?

How many times have you posted a vague prayer request on Facebook only to receive a dozen “Praying” comments? And, how many times do those commentators follow up with you?

Intentionality is the foundation of community. If I tell you that I will pray for your aunt that is in the hospital or for the job you hope to receive or even for that unspoken request that you’re not ready to talk about, then I WILL pray for you.

Yes, God is going to execute His plan no matter what. But, how can we as Christians be so distracted as to completely forget about the mountains our brothers and sisters are facing?

So, if I ask you to pray for me, do it. If a friend or even acquaintance approaches you and they are hurting, pray for them. But, please do NOT tell them you will pray for them if you have no intention of following through with it.

If you get home and the second you walk through your door, all interactions fade to the back of your mind, then you need to focus on your priorities. On the other hand, if a friend comes to you and they are bleeding spiritually and emotionally and it haunts you even in your sleep, then you know you have a heart of prayer. Utilize it.

Otherwise…

Don’t tell me you’ll pray for me.