- You need a job, I’m praying for you.
- Sick grandma, I’m praying for you, and her, and any other random family members who might be affected.
- Hey, you lost a limb in a strange farm equipment accident, I’ll be in touch with the Big Guy, maybe He’ll get you a new one.
There is nothing wrong with praying for others. Prayers of intercession (the ‘hey, look at me, I know big words’ way of saying prayers that help others) are an amazing way to support people. Why would you not pray for those around you who need help? All of us know people who have needs. Whether those needs are physical or spiritual, we are all close to people who could use some prayer. God is a big God, and why not spend some time talking with Him about the issues on our minds? I love praying for other people’s needs. It really helps me take focus off myself, and it reminds me that God is in control.
You know what else is a kind gesture to those in need? Helping them. It’s a novel concept, I know. Some of you are probably staring blankly at the screen, trying to understand what that even means. ‘Helping them? I’m not sure what he’s getting at. I mean I said I’d pray for them, what else can I do?’
Not that prayer isn't good, but these kids might need some physical help we can provide right now.
When I see people around me who have needs, I pray for them, but I try to help them when I am able. If they are feeling low, I offer an ear or a hug, or both. If they need some money, I offer to help out. I allow myself to be open to the needs of those around me so that I can be used to reach into their lives. I get to use my gifts to help others, and I love it.
Where is the love?
Apple Inc. has made so much money during the recession that it is poised to beat ExxonMobile as the most profitable company on the planet. This is not a statement against Apple, but a question posed to those of us who helped make that happen. The unemployment rate is just above 9%. Costs of goods and services are skyrocketing, and yet we spent so much money on unnecessary gadgets this year that we pushed a company that only makes unnecessary gadgets into a position to become the most profitable company in existence.
I have no problems with buying iWhatevers or iShinyThing#3 but where is our neighborly love? Why must we force social programs onto the shoulders of our government? If we, as ordinary people, took some time and helped those around us (volunteering at shelters, donating food and clothing, adopting and fostering children…) we wouldn’t need so many government programs. There are so many people in the world with their legitimate needs left unmet, and so many people with so much excess in their lives, why don’t we give a little bit away to help those around us?
Prayer is an amazing way to help those around us, but we need to realize that sometimes there are practical solutions that we can provide to others.
James 2:15-16 - Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
Chris Snyder's Blog 
I agree. I’ve been trying to get a habitat for humanity thing set up at school…and if that doesn’t work, I plan to do that on my own. I wrote a facebook note about helping others once, and I didn’t really follow through. Maybe now is the time. Prayer is excellent; prayer with action is even better!
We actually had a few of our youth group students go with us to the Habitat for Humanity store in Columbus to help out for a day. They loved it. We try to do some helpful things around the city, and in other states. We even have a few going on trips to Mexico and South Africa. It’s awesome to see people get out and help others. Thanks for the response, Rodney. We need to go on a motorcycle ride again soon.
Methinks my sister and I got the last two good men left. 🙂 So proud to call both of you my family!
Thanks Heidi 🙂 I’m pretty stoked about you guys, too