We all know that familiar saying “I’m praying for you”. Walk through church halls and you’ll hear it a lot. It’s shows up at the end of text messages, and in cards that come through the post. But how much does it really happen? It’s an easy phrase to roll off the tip of the tongue, but it’s also an easy promise to not follow through with. On top of that, it isn’t always easy to know how to pray for people. Here’s something that will help.
In my experience Christians often say “I’m praying for you” when a person is suffering, or going through a particularly difficult time. I know I’m not alone in thinking that it isn’t always easy to know how to pray for those who are suffering.
Let me introduce to you Nancy Guthrie’s new book I’m Praying for You. This is a 40 day devotional book designed to help you know how to pray for someone who is suffering. My wife and I have been reading this together in the mornings and we’ve been really enjoying it.
Each day has a reflection based on a passage of the Bible which is connected to a prayer request. Nancy writes each devotional with biblical insights, experience of walking with those who suffer and with a sound conviction that the Lord can and does comfort His people. Following each devotional there is a sample prayer with blank slots where you put in the individual’s name. In addition to that, each devotional ends with a QR code that you can scan to generate a text to the person your praying for.
For example, if the devotional is on Psalm 20, the text message will say that your praying Psalm 20 for them and the main point of that morning devotions. It’s a great tool that will both help you know how to pray for people and encourage others as you tell them you’re praying for them.
The thing I like almost about the QR code idea is that it is specific. Each message is linked to the passage and the main prayer request. People know exactly what you’re praying for them. On top of that it will also encourage the one receiving the text to open God’s Word for themselves.
I’m pretty picky when it comes to devotional books, but I really enjoyed this one. You can check it out here, I highly recommend you buy a copy or two.
Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her church and at conferences nationally and internationally, and through her numerous books & DVD series. She resides in Nasvhille with her husband.
*** I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. This does not change the way I rate the book, my views are my own. ***
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