CHRISTMAS CARD PRAYERS

It has been my habit for many years to keep a basket of Christmas cards and various other cards that I have received close to my "Quiet Time" chair. After I have my time in the Word each morning I pull out a handful of cards and pray for specific needs in the lives of individual family members, church members, friends and missionaries. This past Monday I prayed for a family in our church only to receive a phone call a short time later from the mother asking if she could meet with us for some counsel. This was not a coincidence. I know that my prayer for her family that morning was used by God to prompt her to call.

God cares about our every need. Sometimes we wonder if we are wasting our time praying for others because we do not see the results. What an encouragement it was to me for God to remind me that the results are up to Him. I am to be an intercessor for others regardless of whether I see results or not.

The card system keeps prayer time from becoming overwhelming. I am always blessed when I look on the back of the cards and see prayers that God answered. I also feel a little more connected to people when I see them and know that I have recently prayed for them.

It doesn't take much time to pray for a lot of people when I use the cards. Whatever system you use, know that prayer makes a difference. Not only does it change others and their situations, it changes the one doing the praying. Pray regularly and specifically. When I stand before the Lord I don't want to be ashamed of my prayer life on this earth.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (JAMES 5:16)