The Gift of Prayer and Share Your Story

Are you ready for today's Share Your Story? Written by Stacy, author of Heartprints of God, this piece encourages us to do more with those fleeting thoughts that scamper across our minds.

Through her writing, Stacy weaves stories of life and faith, and she always leaves me thinking about things in a new way.

Here's Stacy.

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Today, I’m wearing one of my favorite pairs of shoes, my Miranda shoes. No, Miranda is not a famous designer of footwear, although she might grow up to be one someday. Miranda is a former student of mine, and the shoes, a constant reminder for me to pray for her.

Miranda was an excellent student and learning came easy for this energetic, independent 3rd grader. Easy in every subject except Math, that is. So, at the first parent-teacher conference of the school year, I offered to tutor Miranda each day after school, at no cost to the family. Her mother willingly accepted my invitation, and the tutoring began.

The school year flew by quickly and I was proud of the progress Miranda had made. At an Educational Fair held the final week of school, I was approached by Miranda's grandmother. She gently squeezed my arm, smiled, and handed me an envelope. Then, she slipped into the crowd gathered in the gym to view the exhibits on display. That evening, I opened the envelope to find a beautiful, handwritten note thanking me for tutoring her precious granddaughter. To further show her appreciation, she had enclosed a check.

A few months later, while shopping at a local mall, I came across a pair of black shoes.

They were just what I’d been looking for. There was only one problem. Our budget was tight. Then, I remembered Miranda and the generosity of her grandmother. Months earlier, when I had cashed her check, my husband had told me to tuck the money into a "hidden" place in my wallet so it would be there when I wanted to buy something special. Money in hand, I headed to the checkout.

Waiting in line, I thanked God for this gift. Then, I smiled and prayed a special prayer for Miranda. These shoes, in a roundabout way, had brought her to my mind and a prayer for her to my lips! At that moment, I purposed in my heart to say a prayer for Miranda each time I put on my "Miranda shoes".

How many times has something in your day made you think of someone? While driving to work you see a car identical to the one your friend drives. While eating at a restaurant, a waitress has the same name as your Aunt. While watching the evening news, you hear a story from a city where a friend lives. Are these simply coincidences? I don't think so. God has given us the unique privilege and the awesome responsibility to pray for others.
So, this morning as I put on my Miranda shoes, I prayed for her. A few days ago, a song reminded me of a college roommate, so I took a moment and prayed for her. Yesterday, a boy crossing the street reminded me of my nephew, so I prayed for him.

How humbling and exciting to remember God can use ordinary things in our lives to do extraordinary things in the lives of others when we allow these “reminders” to lead us into the throne room of prayer. 


Today, when God graces your life with a gift of remembrance, why not turn this gift into a gift of prayer?

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Thanks, Stacy. As for me? Who are the people that have popped into my head today? My neighbor, my sister, my mom, my forever friend's nephew.

Question for you: Who have you been thinking of today? A relative? Friend? Stranger?

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