I’ll Pray for You

How often do the words, “I’ll pray for you” pass over your lips? This offer of encouragement–and often the intentions behind them–is meant to lift a person’s spirits. Why is it, then, we later feel a sadness in our heart?

That makes no sense, but stick with me on this.

Picture this: Susie and Molly (both fictitious names) bump into one another in the produce section of the neighborhood’s grocery. They’re truly good friends and are legitimately happy to see one another glad they have the chance to catch up, right there amongst the melons and apples. They talk about how wonderful life has been since they last spoke. All is well.

The Mood shifts

After the fluff of their conversation is over, Susie lowers her head and whispers. “I’ve been meaning to call you. To be honest, there’s more. Life’s been difficult over the past few weeks. Circumstances out of my control have ripped against the seams of my family.” Molly reaches for her friend and offers comfort. Tears streak both ladies’ cheeks. Molly hates the thought of Susie hurting and wants to offer her support. They hug and she offers, “I’ll pray for you” before they both go their own ways.

What does 'I'll pray for you' really mean? Share on X

Does this scenario sound familiar? Possibly? Probably. God’s desire to bring comfort to those around, yet we’re too absorbed in our lives … our lists of things to accomplish … that we miss them.

What Is Missed?

In Susie’s pain, she reached out to a trusted friend for support. And Sally, albeit, well-meaning, offers empty words of comfort. If God can guide the steps of men (Psalms 37:23), doesn’t it make sense that Molly was meant to bump into Susie? If this example of a story is true …

Molly Misses a Blessing

We’re all Molly now and then. We mean well. When we talk to a friend in need we have all good intentions of praying for them later. Sometimes we do, but often life gets in the way. The kids need help with their homework. Dinner needs attention. Laundry’s waiting. The demands go on and on. And we forget to pray for our friend, like Susie.

Susie Misses a Blessing

While I’m sure Susie appreciates the words, she doesn’t get the blessing of experiencing Molly taking her needs–right then–before God.

Susie, like all of us, wants to know that God sees us. Consider James 5:15a (… the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well…). It’s not to bring attention to you, the pray-er, but to let God use us to remind the pray-ee that God sees them and hears their pain.

Lost Opportunity to Show Faith in Action

Susie had an opportunity to show her faith. Molly would’ve been blessed by the prayer, but it’s the memory of Molly expecting God to show up is lost would stick with her for quite a while.

Serendipity Effects of an Obedient Heart

God’s plans for us are bigger than we can imagine. He’s the master of painting a situation with serendipity blessings.

With that in mind, I plan to look at the phrase “I’ll Pray for You” differently and with more humility.

What say you?  

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.