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Be There

As our teenage neighbor arrived home from college, my daughter was waiting for her. As soon as Emma saw her, she yelled, "Wait! Don't go in [your house] yet!" My daughter ran into our house, grabbed a birthday invitation and ran over to Katie. "Here," she said, "I’m gonna be five! Here's a letter about my party. Be there!" 19-year-old Katie smiled and replied, "You can count on me."

My daughter's 5th birthday is approaching, and she is no longer our little baby. She started attending Kindergarten, riding the bus, bringing her lunch, and completing a full day of school. She is so excited! She loves being a "big girl.".

Then there is me...I realize that, among other things of this world, my daughter will soon discover that you cannot count on everyone in your travels. Maybe Katie will come to her party, maybe not. It's not easy being a 19-year-old. The good thing is that Emma will survive and enjoy her party whether Katie comes or not. (She may, however, have a new impression of 19-year-olds.)

On Sunday our pastor spent some time discussing the "how to" of prayer. I think what stuck with me most was that the Lord wants us to be specific when we pray. For example, don't just ask for blessings on your family, but actually list what you need.

Lord, I need this or Lord please help us with that...and by the way - Be there! If you ask me, "Be there" is about as specific as it comes. It's a comforting thought that the Lord will always reply (and mean), "You can count on me."

Matthew 28:20
"I am with you always...even until the end of this world."

Some ways to keep prayers specific:

• Start a prayer journal and record your requests and the ways you have been blessed. Leave some space so that you can date when certain prayers are answered.
• Ask for prayer requests at family dinner time or at a gathering, and use those requests for prayer instead of a common table prayer.
• Ask friends/family from other parts of the country for prayer requests (maybe through e-mail) and start a prayer chain.
• Start a prayer group at church and meet regularly. Offer to pray specific prayers for members of your congregation.
• Start "Prayer Partners" between church members and Sunday school or elementary school kids.

"Dear Lord, thank You that I may always count on You to be there for me, no matter what I am going through. Help me to be more specific when I pray and to learn to involve You in all my walks of life. Amen."

P.S...."Lord, bless all the 19-year-olds...especially Katie!" (She showed up!)