May I pray for you now?

One of the best reasons to learn to pray comfortably with others is that it can be a tremendous blessing for those who are hurting or in need of prayer.

In these days, it is very likely that we will talk with or exchange calls or texts with someone we know who is going through a trial in life. Often they ask for prayer, and we’re quick to say yes, and then we pray later in our personal time with God.

What if we said, "Yes, I will pray for you, and I would love to pray for you right now. May I?" Then take a minute and pray right then about what you’ve heard. If you don’t know what to pray, ask for things like—

• for God’s peace (Philippians 4:6)
  
• for the ability to rest in God despite circumstances (Psalm 62:1) 
• for a sense of God’s presence (Matthew 28:20)
• for God to calm the storm (Mark 4:35-41)
  
• for God to be his/her refuge (Psalm 31:2)
  
• for God to make a way (Isaiah 43:19)
  
• for God to lead him/her (Psalm 23:4)

Simply pray from the heart and ask God to help them. A short prayer on the spot may very well be the encouragement they need, at just the right moment. 

Have a lasting impact on those you know by taking a moment to pray with them!