Prayer STILL changes things

A few years ago I embarked on a personal project I called "a prayer a day." For this project, I wrote down all the names of friends and people that I knew, cut those names into strips and placed them in a jar. Each day I pulled a name and prayed for that person throughout the day. Sometimes I wouldn't tell the person that I was praying for them that day, other times I was able to share my project with the individual. Several things resulted from this:

1. I prayed more (go figure). I didn't stop praying for other things (events that would happen, or for myself) but by allowing myself to focus on a person I prayed more throughout the day.

2. I focused more on others: This time allowed me to shift my focus from my own problems to other people. By considering others, and choosing to pray for and bless them I experienced less stress and actually was less concerned with my own "stuff."

3. Deepening of relationships: by reaching out to others and praying for them, I was able to catch up with old friends, reconcile relationships and connect deeper to community.

All that to say, it wasn't a bad idea.

In fact, prayer is NEVER a bad idea. I am a firm believer that prayer changes things and have been so blessed and surprised when I get a note/text/message from a friend saying "thinking and praying for you today." There is something about being seen and being known (both by God and by those in our community) that changes our outlook on a situation, even if the situation itself has not changed.

So I've decided to do it again! But to do this, I need people to pray for.

If you would like to be included in the prayer list just do one of the steps below:

FACEBOOK FRIENDS: Send me a private message or respond to this post by liking the link or commenting in the comment section. If you want to be on the list but do not want to be notified if you are chosen for that day simply put "do not contact" behind your name.

TWITTER FRIENDS: Send me a private message or click "favorite" and I will add you to the list. If you want to be on the list but do not want to be notified if you are chosen for that day simply put "do not contact" in a response tweet.

OTHER FRIENDS: Simply reply to this post in the comments section. If you want to be on the list but do not want to be notified if you are chosen for that day simply put "do not contact" behind your name.

One person will be chosen everyday and notified (if they want to). If you are chosen, please feel free to send me prayer requests, praise reports or an update on your life!

I hope this time around I am able to connect to those in my community. I pray that we see major change for the better!

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but #APrayerADay has more power than we think!