Praying Privilege

By Elaine James –

My friend got the news that every mother dreads from her army son saying “I’m being sent to Afghanistan.”

She was in the middle of enjoying his two-week leave when the phone call came. She knew at the end of the visit he would be stationed overseas but she had tried to put that out of her mind.

She knew full well that this could be over a year assignment. How would they get through this? Crying and panicked she called me and said, “My son is leaving for Afghanistan. Can you pray over him before he leaves?”

I wondered, “If he’s leaving tomorrow, how can we find the time to pray?”

After three attempts to get us together I began to think finding a time was hopeless.

But in the next moment I thought, “The devil must not want these prayers to go forth.”

After three attempts, finally the doorbell rang. I greeted them and got right into praying. I started by praying protection, good health and safe travels for him. When I was done I sensed a whisper from God to tell him this message: “God will reveal Himself in small ways and big ways. Never think of anything as a coincidence.” He thanked me and they left.

As his mom stood in the airport nervous and crying, saying good-bye, a flight attendant came up to her and said, “I will take good care of your boy. I’m putting Him in first class with me.” After she saw the last glimpse of her son, she walked out of the airport and called me, excited. “God revealed Himself to my son by watching over him and putting him in first class!”

I got chills just thinking of how I almost missed the privilege to pray and then I wrote the following list of reasons to pray:

• Dispel darkness
• Dismiss the lies
• Usher God into the center of a controversy
• Bring me joy
• Renew my strength
• Delight my heart
• Restore hope
• Bring me back to truth
• Allow me to feel loved and connected
• Shine like a star
• Rest a Sabbath rest
• Clean my slate
• Wash me white as snow
• Lighten my load

When someone asks you to pray, do you realize what a privilege it is?

PRAYER:  Lord, with much prayer in my heart I cry out to You. I wait on You till You stretch out Your hands and Your plans come to pass.

“But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!” (Jude 1:20 The Message).

Today’s devotional is by Elaine James, author of the tract JOURNEY, certified personality trainer and graduate of Christian Leaders Authors and Speakers Seminars. She is a prayer ministry counselor, accomplished actress, and certified Christian storyteller. Her dramatic performances have made many aware of their problem with Major Mind Overload, and their need to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. Elaine is a recycler—nothing God teaches her is wasted. www.elainejames.com