Desiree.Marrion@kpchr.org

“Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, “O, thank you, God!”

Philemon 1:4 (The Message) 

 

Have you read this verse in this translation? The words really touched my heart. As believers we often pray for people but how many times do we begin with, “O, Thank You, God!” as we bring that person before the throne? 

When God reminds us of someone—whether or not we actually know them, we first ought to thank God for them, then proceed on in our supplications for them. Thanking God with emphasis can help us recall how precious or special that person is to Him and give us guidance in how to pray for them. How many lives do you think this would change? How many needs do you think this might meet? How many battles could be fought and won or strongholds broken when we begin by thanking God for that person? How many times would we be reminded to be grateful to God for those around us, no matter who they are or whether or not we know them personally?  

Frequently we make a list and stick to just that prayer list but as you think of it now, how many people walk through your mind each day? How many people cross your path in one way or another? Are they co-workers? Old friends you haven’t seen in a while? Former playmates, or a teacher who truly affected your life? A neighbor, an acquaintance or someone you don’t really know but to whom you have said, “Hello!” in passing at church or on a busy sidewalk? How about the stranger in the doctor’s office or on the airplane next to you? There are so many ways that we are reminded of others. What about the news? What about the Internet? There are many more avenues of remembering, and each of these can be a cue to thank God for them and then pray for them. 

Those of us who lead the life of the intercessor must always be aware of the need to thank God each and every time the Holy Spirit brings a name or face to our minds and hearts. But even those of us who are not called to intercession and simply pray can use this gentle reminder to pray for that specific one. We don’t always know what or why to pray, but we can pray “without ceasing” as different ones are brought to mind. 

Frequently as I drive to work, I see people at bus stops, walking down the sidewalk, working on the streets, in gas stations, or hauling garbage. You see people on your drive to work too—do you pray for them? I do. I thank God for them and honestly tell Him that I don’t know their name or their specific needs. Then I thank God that He created them and knows them intimately and I ask Him to minister to that person either by bringing them to salvation or meeting them personally so that they might know Him better. This is especially true when I see the homeless or mentally ill wandering the streets—my heart aches for them, and I thank God that He has their name engraved on the palm of His hand (Isa. 49:16). Each time, I ask for His mercy on them and that they might know Him. Do you notice them? Do you thank God for them? And then, do you pray for them? 

There are constant reminders of the need for prayer around us. How about the sound of sirens wailing in the night? What about the rush of the ambulance as it flies by to help someone in need? Do you thank God for those who are hurrying to help and for those who need the help? Praying specifically for safety and for needs to be met can be automatically triggered by the sound of sirens if you pay careful attention. What about reports of car accidents, a kidnapped child, or a missing person? Do you thank God for that one and entrust them to His care? 

Do you enjoy the sight of a new baby in the gift shop? How about the constant movement and antics of a toddler at the post office? How about the friendly greeting of a little one to you—a complete stranger—in the grocery store? All of these bring joy to my heart, and I thank God that He created them and for how much He loves His little ones. Then I pray over each little one that God’s Will would be done in their lives, that they are in a safe and loving environment, and that someone would cross their path in life and tell them of the love of Jesus if their parents don’t already know Him. You can do this too and not only with your prayer, but with a smile and a kind word you can minister to that little one—and probably a weary parent too. 

All too often when we go to prayer, we recite the same words over and over. Frequently we pray for ourselves and all our needs and wants, or those of our immediate family and friends. Often we neglect to pray that prayer of thankfulness as we begin our intercession before the throne. We ought to remember to pray for those who are not in our immediate circle. Think of how happy this would make our Beloved Heavenly Father if we were to begin this practice and continue it on a daily or even momentary basis. I know that many times when I drive or meditate or hear something, I will think of a specific person. Or the Holy Spirit simply drops them into my heart, and I pray for them.  

Many times this has led me to contact that person via phone or email, and they will share with me something specific that was going on at that moment and how God met them at that precise time and place. I love it when God does this, for it confirms to me that I do indeed hear His Voice, and I am praying in His will. At times, I have even been awakened in the night to pray for people I don’t like or even want to pray for, but as little Samuel learned from Eli the priest, I simply say, “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.”  

So as the Apostle Paul gives this important Scripture to us, we need to remember that every time someone’s name comes up, every time we see a stranger we don’t know, every time we hear a siren that notifies us of someone’s need, that we always immediately need to say, “O, Thank You, God!!” for His grace, mercy and love toward us by bringing this special one to our hearts for prayer. Listen and watch carefully, and thank God upon every remembrance them. You will bless them and be immensely blessed yourself.

Copyright 2003 by Desirée Marrion