Pray in Secret for Someone You Know

A powerful way in which we can demonstrate Christ's love in our lives is to pray for someone we know in secret. There are friends, family members, and acquaintances we know who are going through tough times in their lives. Perhaps they are enduring a prolonged illness (or have a spouse, child, or parent who is). Maybe they have recently come on hard times, having lost their job and now struggling with unemployment. Or, what if they have gone through a recent divorce or another loss in their life? Possibly, they are struggling with depression or loneliness.

We can pray for such individuals consistently and faithfully, asking God to bless them and be with them. Then, we can sit back and see how God moves in their life. This could be a tremendous way to strengthen our own faith as we watch God's power at work. Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” We are called to be prayerful in our lives!

The apostle Paul also says in Eph. 1:16-18, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” Let's be praying for God to open the minds and hearts of those we know are suffering to his love and spiritual healing. Prayer works! Prayer changes things because God hears and responds.

Let's have Christ's heart and be his hands in our secret prayer life!

Write a Hand-Written Note of Appreciation (Idea #2)

If you’re new to my Christian podcast, welcome! Last week I began a brand new series entitled, “Ten ways to demonstrate His Heart, My Hands.” The first idea I shared was to “Do a Random Act of Kindness” and, wow, what a tremendous response I have been receiving via Facebook and Twitter. It’s truly been inspiring!

Today, I would like to present my 2^nd idea, and it is this: “Write a hand-written note of appreciation” to someone you need to thank.

We live in a day and age of quick and easy communication, via text messaging and multiple forms of social media. Sometimes, it can feel so impersonal. But I’ve got to tell you: Nothing can replace the joy it brings someone to receive a hand-written note, card, or letter, especially when it comes in the mail. Letter writing has seemingly become a lost art. But it is so personal and meaningful.

In Galatians 6:11, the apostle Paul writes, “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.” This took tremendous effort for him in light of his failing eyesight, but it meant so much to the letter recipients.

I have a sweet older lady in my congregation, named Ramelle, who is in the routine habit of writing letters to persons in the church and community. In fact, I’ve been the recipient of a few of those. And believe me when I say that they have really made an impact on me. It’s such a pleasure these days to go to the mailbox and find something other than junk mail—an envelope that is personally addressed to you and hand-written. Yeah – emails, Facebook messages, tweets, and texts are great and convenient, but maybe sometimes they’re too convenient. The time, thought, and effort required by a hand-written note or letter really means a lot to people.

Is there someone you need to thank in a special way for the impact and influence they’ve hand in your life? I’m sure there is. Sit down some time this week at the kitchen table, or somewhere comfortable, get some paper (and it can even be the old loose-leaf lined school paper), and write someone you love and appreciate a letter expressing just that. I promise you -- it will make a big difference!

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