I Will Pray for You
When we say to people, “I will pray for you,” we make a very important commitment. The sad thing is that this remark often remains nothing but a well-meant expression of concern. But when we learn to descend with our mind into our heart, then all those who have become part of our lives are led into the healing presence of God and touched by him in the center of our being.
We are speaking here about a mystery for which words are inadequate. It is the mystery that the heart, which is the center of our being, is transformed by God into his own heart, a heart large enough to embrace the entire universe.
Through prayer we can carry in our heart all human pain and sorrow, all conflicts and agonies, all torture and war, all hunger, loneliness, and misery, not because of some great psychological or emotional capacity, but because God’s heart has become one with ours.”
—Henri J. M. Nouwen,
Bread for the Journey
What a privilege it is to intercede for others. And yet, the words “I’ll pray for you” are often a kneejerk response rather than a firm commitment to pray. When it is, we are missing out on a Divine opportunity to connect with the heart of God on a matter of weighty importance and in blessing another with our intercession. First, as we do pray for others, God touches and changes our hearts regarding the person and their need. Second, our prayer offers us the opportunity to develop a deeper connection with the one we pray for. We leave so much of God’s goodness, for us and for the person we’ve promised to pray for, on the table. Let us grow through these encounters; take the matters to prayer and seek the Lord’s face in our intercession. We will both grow and bless others. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics