When someone you know is going through a hardship, time of trial, or period of waiting, the appropriate response is “I’ll Pray for you“.

As Christians, we know that this is the response that we should have. It becomes automatic and we say it without meaning it.

How many times a day do you utter this phrase without so much as a thought about it; let alone an actual prayer to accompany it?

As Christian’s the old “good luck” just doesn’t work, because what is luck? Nothing is luck. God is in control of everything.

When someone is going through something awful, kind words of condolences just don’t seem enough so we say we will pray for them.

This is wonderful idea but how much is it actually doing? When you say you will prayer for someone and then don’t, it’s the same as saying “good luck” to them! Your words are empty and meaningless.

Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me. Isaiah 29:13

Praying for those who are hurting, going through something, or waiting on something is a wonderful tool that God actually listens to. We can prayer for our friends when we do this. But be careful. You don’t want to loosely use this or throw it around.

We are to be sober minded in the Lord, not throwing around phrases. We are to take our words seriously.

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

So I challenge you.

Actually PRAY when you write or say this. I am writing this post because I am SO guilty of this. I do this all.the.time. Praying is always the right response to the situation so I am saying the right things but not always living that out.

Besides, how much more would our comments mean to someone when we actually ARE praying for you. Right now.

I challenge you to starting thinking about this. Every time you write or say those words. Mean it and pray for that person. Immediately!