Sarah’s Prayer

I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone” 1st Timothy 2:1

When Sarah was a sophomore in high school, she and her mom heard a news story about a young man critically injured in a plane crash.  The crash took the lives of his father and mother.  Although they did not know the person, Sarah’s mom said; “We just need to pray for him”.  And so they did.

Years later Sarah walked into a class at her university.  A student offered her the seat next to him.  That student was Austin Hatch.  He was the plane crash victim that Sarah had prayed for.  They soon dated and then married.  In an interview shortly after they were married, Sarah said “It’s crazy to think I was praying for my future husband”.  

It can be easy to limit our prayers to our personal needs and for those close to us without taking the time to pray for others.

Paul, in writing to the Christians in Ephesus, told them to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  He said to be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people (Ephesians 6:18)

Remember to pray for others – even people you may not know.  It’s one of the ways we can carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).  Here is a simple prayer that you can use: “Jesus, open my heart to the needs of people around me – even if I don’t know them.  Take my heartfelt concern and intervene for them as only You can”.