Influence By Prayer - The One Year Salt and Light Devotional

Mark 10:46-52

What do you want me to do for you? (Mark 10:51)

PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU their problems, especially if you are known for having a listening ear. You will hear the laments of those who are struggling through tough times, the ailments of those with physical challenges, and the conundrums of people in dysfunctional relationships. You will hear of hopes and dreams, but also of dashed hopes and dreams. And while you may feel helpless to change their situation, there is something you can do. You can ask, “May I pray for you?”

It’s a powerful question. Sometimes you’ll hear no, but pray anyway, silently. Usually, however, the person you ask will be more than willing to have you pray, touched that you care, and perhaps a little surprised when an answer to the prayer comes. You may choose to pray out loud on the spot, or you may resolve to do so on your own at a later time, as an addition to your prayer list. Either way, a ministry of prayer makes a statement without actually making a statement. It creates a platform for sharing the goodness of God. It awakens a heart to the possibility that God might intervene.

Jesus asked this question, even when the answer was obvious. You should too, at least on occasion when the opportunity arises. Some bolder souls approach every person in a wheelchair at the mall and offer to pray; while most of us are more comfortable doing so within established relationships. We should feel free to connect our family, friends, and associates with the God who loves them through prayer. A simple “I’ll be praying about that” is often enough to reveal the heart of God and give him an occasion to work in a life that needs him. At the very least, it demonstrates what a relationship with God looks like. Even better, it sometimes prompts a person to seek one. In any case, it offers a glimmer of hope to someone going through a hard time and reminds them there’s a God who cares.

{Father, you are longing to reach into the hearts of people who need you, but you choose to use your people to do so. Let me provide occasions for your touch. Draw me close in prayer, show your power, and heal hearts in need. Amen.