Feb 4, 2017 filed under Living Virtue.

child praying

A friend’s son died last summer. I asked her, a devout atheist, if she would mind if I prayed for them. She said, “I accept your gift of prayer because I know it comes from your heart.” So if she who thinks prayer has no effect is comforted, how much more those of us who believe that prayer is the greatest force in the universe? That prayer is the lever and fulcrum by which Archimedes said he could move the world!?

Yet we neglect to pray for each other.

Consider an idea inspired by my late friend Frank Fletcher. Frank’s limitations prevented him from holding a paying job. So he spent his time riding the bus, striking up quiet conversations with people, gently reminding them of God’s love.

Frank had a habit that will bring a new dimension to your prayer life. Whenever I saw him, he’d ask me on parting, “What are three things I can pray for you today?” The question was, and is, utterly arresting. It was as if the hand of God reached into my soul, looking to touch anything that needed healing. A question so powerful I sometimes had to stifle tears as I answered; for some reason, it always surprised me.

The act of sharing three things to pray for unburdened me of whatever was bothering me that day. Frank was willing to take upon himself my greatest burdens as he waved goodbye and walked toward the bus stop to go home, leaving me feeling light and free. What I had neglected to give entirely to God I was able to give to my friend. Frank was a secret agent for God.

Frank Fletcher, pray for us that we will take time today to ask someone, “What are three things I can pray for you today?”

Love always,
Rose

 

 

17 Responses to “What Can I Pray for You Today?”

  1. Rita

    Beautiful! What a wonderful way to carry the message that God is alive and well.

  2. Rosemary

    Rose,
    I have no doubts about the power of prayer, and feel very blessed to know several friends whom I can call and ask for prayers, should I suddenly find myself in a bad way. That being said, I don’t often think to ask someone what is something I can pray for them. Thanks for the great reminder! May Frank rest in peace.

    • Rose Folsom

      Thank you, Rosemary! Isn’t it beautiful to have a prayer support team in your life? Thank God for our friends!
      Rose

  3. Sal

    Hello Rose! This is an interesting new twist. I always say to friends and family that I pray for them especially when they are troubled, and I will ask them to me for me! However, I never thought of asking Frank’s question! I will need to keep this in mind. Thank you.

  4. Tom Roberts

    Here is a passage from the book Alcoholics Anonymous. It brings to mind Mother Teresa’s essay entitled “Do it Anyway.”

    “If you have a resentment you want to be free of, if you will pray for the person or the thing that you resent, you will be free. If you will ask in prayer for everything you want for yourself to be given to them, you will be free. Ask for their health, their prosperity, their happiness, and you will be free. Even when you don’t really want it for them, and your prayers are only words and you don’t mean it, go ahead and do it anyway. Do it every day for two weeks and you will find you have come to mean it and to want it for them, and you will realize that where you used to feel bitterness and resentment and hatred, you now feel compassionate understanding and love.”

    • Rose Folsom

      Tom,
      That is the best advice ever. Please pray that I will take it seriously enough to do it, especially when I don’t feel like it!
      Rose

  5. Max

    Thank you Rose for sharing. And I will start that with my friends and family. 3 things. Wow.

  6. Angela Hughes

    Please pray for my husband James the he would be the spiritual leader, provider and protector of our family. Pray that he puts the Lord first and listen to Jesus. That he would put the Lord first in our finances and honor our marriage. Pray that the Lord, would bless my husband’s work. that he would be diligent and prosperous and given favor both with the Lord and man. Pray for him to be healthy mind body spirit soul. Pray that all that has been lost be restored 10 fold. That he would be the head and not the tail. That everything he does prospers.Pray that no weapon formed against us would prosper. That the Lord would give him wisdom and discernment. Pray that the Lord would give him strength to walk into opportunities he provides. That the Lord, would infuse his character with courage for daily decisions and heal the past wounds of my husband’s heart. Pray the Lord would guide my husband a s the leader of our home.help my husband’s parenting to reflect Jesus Christ to our children. May his leadership skills be empowered by the mind of Jesus Christ. Pray the Lord would lead my husbands hand and heart in our relationship, his work, our home, community and church. Also please pray for him to be protected and for the lord to place a guard over his heart, mouth and mind, Jesus. Also to protect him from temptation and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Lastly pray for him to have encouraging and godly friendships. Break any soul ties or relationships that are not from the Lord. In Jesus Name Amen