I am praying for you.

I composed the following item for our Beacon Lite in June 2009, the day before back surgery. The surgery went fine and I am well, but I have reprinted these words by request.

"I am praying for you." I cannot count the number of times I have heard those words recently. Each one has been and is a blessing. Far more than being a simple formulaic expression, those words form and foster a sense of community, an awareness of the power available even when we feel powerless.

"I am praying for you." I have read scientific studies claiming that prayers can work wonders and scientific studies claiming that prayers have no measurable impact. Both such studies miss the point. The impact of prayer is a mysterious gift - like the warmth in our hearts when we celebrate the Lord's Supper, like the feelings of God's presence during a baptism, like the joy amidst the tears when a memorial service truly celebrates the life of someone who has entered the church triumphant. Who can measure such experiences? Why bother? They are gifts to open, not conundra to explain.

"I am praying for you." Those words often have come with offers to bring food or plant flowers, and even to spread mulch or clean the house. Not every offer to help can be accepted, but each one deepens the feeling of being accepted and loved. The offers embody the prayer.

"I am praying for you." When we can do no more than offer those words sincerely, those words and the prayers that precede and follow them are enough. They shatter the silence when we do not know what to say, bring sparks of light to darkness, and offer companionship even when we must pass through something alone. 

"I'm praying for you" is one of the most wonderfully mysterious ways God works in and through us. Thank you for the blessing of your prayers. I promise that when the anesthesia wears off, I will resume praying for you as well.

Grace and Peace,

LP