When I visited my daughter Tonya recently, she showed me the cards that she hands out to strangers as she travels. They say, ‘I Said a Prayer for You Today’. I was so impressed! She gave me several and I began to do the same thing. I was pleased by the first reaction I got. The recep- tionist at the doctor’s surgery said, ‘Thank you. I was having a difficult day today. I will keep this card next to me.’

My experience led me to consider how I actually pray for others. Paul tells us that he was praying for the church members at Colossae even though he had never met them. What was he praying? He tells us that he was praying that these strangers would first be filled with the know- ledge of God’s will for their lives and that they would ‘lead lives worthy of the Lord’.

We all need prayer.  We can always ask how we can pray for others   if they have specific needs like finding a new job, helping a lost son or daughter or improving their health. But when we are not sure what to pray for others, we can remember Paul’s prayer for the people in Colos- sae.

Prayer: Our Father, thank you for hearing our prayers for those who are hurting today. In Jesus’ name, we ask you to be with them and that they will be aware of your presence. Amen