Prayer Tip--The Power of One
Daily Scripture
Acts 9:10-15, NRSV
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ He answered, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
I was watching a TikTok video where a man said that he was in a drive-through ordering lunch. When he paid for his lunch, the cashier gave him a cookie with his meal. He told her that he had not ordered a cookie and she said, “I know, but you look like you could use a pick me up.” He thanked her and drove off. He went on to talk about how he still thinks about that interaction years later.
It meant a lot to him even though he knows it was an exceedingly small thing. The comments were flooded with people saying that someone gave them a compliment one time and they still remember how good it made them feel. It was so fun to read because while some were from people they knew, many were from strangers in passing. The stranger most likely doesn’t remember giving the compliment, but it stuck with the one who received it. It meant something to them.
Our words, our actions and our thoughts have power. This is why the Bible tells us so many times to remain focused on things that are good and to use words that build up. Some people (like Martin Luther King or Abraham Lincoln) are given the ability to be great orators. But all of us can use our words to influence the people around us. The right word of kindness used at the right time can make all the difference.
Prayer Tips:
–In many of Paul’s letters you will read that he is praying for people. Who can you pray for this week? You could pick various positions if you wanted inspiration, such as choose one teacher, one politician, one pastor and one doctor to pray for this week.
–Write a letter to a family member or friend you have been thinking about. Let them know you are lifting them up in prayer and pray over the letter before you send it.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the gift of relationships and the gift of words. One person (even me) with the right words can make a significant difference. Please help me to use and choose my words wisely to build people up and edify you always. Amen.
GPS Insights
Ashly Cooley
This week's prayer tip is by Ashly Cooley who serves as Executive Assistant in Resurrection's Care and Mental Wellness office. She has been on staff at Resurrection since 2015 and says this is the best job she has ever had. She is passionate about serving the Lord, normalizing mental health care, and is a self-proclaimed bibliophile. She enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, extended family and friends as well as dancing badly and snuggling her dog, Bessie.
