Praying for Those Around Us

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The other day my daughter and I were reading the Power of Positive Thinking for Teens by Norman Vincent Peale and in the book was the example of a boy who was having trouble making friends. The boy was given the suggestion of praying consistently for the people around him, the people he encountered every day. His prayer was simply to think kindly of all the people around him. 

As the boy did this it turned his focus from himself to others and it softened his heart toward other people because he had been very judgmental of others. And the boy began to make many more friends, because he became much friendlier. 

Praying for those around us is very powerful because it also changes us in the process. Something else I have found to be true is that praying for those around us also seems to open up many opportunities in life. Our monthly message this month is to Be Ready and Watching for Opportunities and one of the ways to do this is praying for others consistently.

The way I like to do this is by praying in the Spirit and bringing one person to mind, then there is almost always someone else that comes into mind along with that person. and I just follow the connections and chain reactions. It may start with one person, but it can lead to hundreds of people. 

Today's communion is a time of gratitude for God's grace, and we are thanking him for all those who have prayed for us and asking for his help to pray for others consistently.

Today's workout/health tip

One of the most valuable things we can all find is a great workout partner or coach. A workout partner/coach can provide encouragement on the low days, accountability, make exercise much more enjoyable. 

I am praying for you. 

Daniel