Give the Gift of Prayer

I stood at the back of the stage, half singing, half observing the crowd in awe and wonder at how the Holy Spirit was flowing through the room that night. I’d just finished speaking at the opening night of a conference and my heart was full. I’d seen so many faces touched by the Spirit that night and now everyone was praising God through song. Then I saw her. Front row, center of the room, sitting down amidst of a sea standing, singing women. A deep struggle evident on her face. I wanted to go to her, talk to her, find out what was troubling her so, help her in some way.

I knew in that moment I couldn’t do anything more for her than pray. I stepped to the side, closed my eyes and began to pray for her. I prayed all through the song, begging God to break through in her heart and heal her struggle. I thanked God for bringing her there that night and asked Him to speak to her heart. She slipped out in the crowd and didn’t return the next day, but I’d spied her name tag and added her name to my prayer list. So, I kept praying.

I was reminded of this story as I sat down to make out my Christmas shopping list. We give all types of gifts to our loved ones. Practical and useful gifts – the ones we know they’ll surely need and find useful (like new towels, a kitchen appliance, or new gloves). Splurge gifts – ones we know they’d never spend money on, but they’d really love (like jewelry, perfume, or a massage). Fun gifts – the ones we know they’ll really enjoy (like a toy, an electronic gadget, or sporting equipment). Meaningful gifts – the ones that come from the heart, hold sentimental value, or are homemade with love (like a handmade blanket, a photo book, or special item passed down through the family).

These are all wonderful gifts that will no doubt be greatly appreciated on Christmas morning, but could they change someone’s life? Is there anything we can give that would be so significant? Something that could truly make a difference and have life-changing impact?

Add generous amounts of prayer to your Christmas list to give the best gifts of all

One of the best gifts we can give someone is our prayer. It doesn’t require any shopping, but it does require our focus and heart. Praying for someone is like rolling all the types of gifts into one.

The gift of prayer is practical and useful. We pray for healing for the hurting, comfort for the grieving, answers for the seeking, strength for the fearful, companions for the lonely, resources for the poor, guidance for the lost. Sure, our gifts of money, time, and material goods are useful and can provide needed resources, but God’s gifts in answer to these prayer can do far more.

The gift of prayer can fill a need someone didn’t even know they had. We pray for God to bless someone or help with an area where they’re struggling and sometimes He comes through in the most amazing, over-the-top ways. God’s miracles are usually more than we’d ever ask for, more than we’d ever imagine.

The gift of prayer is the most meaningful gift. What other gift can truly change someone’s life? When we pray for God to break through into someone’s heart, we’re praying for something life-changing. We’re praying for God to step in and lead that person to His path. When He does break through, what change He can work in someone’s life!

Give the gift of prayer this year

So, will you add prayer to your list of Christmas gifts this year? Pray over each person on your Christmas list. Pray over each gift you wrap, each Christmas card you address. Pray for the people you encounter as you shop – the woman working the register, the couple in line behind you, the children running through the store, the homeless man you passed on your way down the street.

Let’s make this a prayer-filled Christmas and ask God to bring His gifts this year. Ask God to multiply what we’re able to provide and give an even better gift to those around us.

Resources:

If you’re looking for resources to go deeper with prayer or to share of prayer with someone in your life, may I recommend my “Pray Deep” devotional prayer books? Pray Deep is 21 days of prayer, exploring the nature of prayer through 20 different prayer methods. It will ignite your prayer life and expand your prayer language. Pray Deep for Advent is a daily devotional as you prepare your heart for Christmas.

{These are affiliate links – and my own books – so you’ll be helping sustain this blog if you purchase through them.}