God's Word to the Wise

What and who should we pray for? Yes, I ended the opening sentence in a preposition. Recently, the question was asked, “Why do we include praying for traveling mercies for those who are traveling for leisure or recreation purposes in the “For Prayer” in the church bulletin?” While a boarding student at Cono Christian School, it was a regular practice to bow our heads and pray for traveling mercies before departing on any type of journey.

I was taken one mile in the school econoline van to milk cows twice a day. The adult driver would have us bow and pray for safety driving there and would do the same before returning to the campus. Now I was thankful for such prayer with a few of the adult drivers, but should this be in the bulletin as something to ask the church people to pray for? Whereas I would say no, it is something to pray for by those traveling. 

Today a church family is traveling to the Iowa State Fair. (I) asked God to protect them while traveling there and back, and also while participating at the fair. Individual members should pray for His divine protection for those we know are traveling. I would, however, agree it isn’t necessary to publish to pray for traveling mercies for this family’s trip in the church bulletin. Perhaps a general reminder to pray for God’s protection while traveling can be included.

My sister asked me to pray for a person known to us who was scheduled for a serious surgery. I did not think it necessary to ask the church to pray for this person. Prayer for “sick”people not known by other church friends is often requested to be published in the church bulletin. Very often the person for which prayer is requested is not known to be a Christian. I have never been asked to pray for this person before, but now they are sick and “Need” prayer. 

I want to be careful with this because I do care for the medical wellbeing of anyone. I am also mindful that people, some who don’t know me, have and do pray for my health needs. I Thank God For Their Intercession On My Behalf. I am troubled with learning a person for whom we prayed has been granted a full recovery and yet continues to reject God who granted their healing. An elder of our church, reminded me that asking God for such help and healing keeps them alive with the hope He will give to them their greater need; reconciliation with Him by faith in His son Jesus.