Opportunities to Pray

by Suzanne Benner

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What would happen if we viewed the variety of things we encounter each day as opportunities to pray?

For example, whenever I pick up my son from high school, I see teenagers dressed provocatively or defiantly, lighting up cigarettes and clinging to each other. And if the window happens to be down, the language that filters in sometimes makes me cringe.

My natural inclination is to rail against parents who tolerate that kind of behavior and kids who show little or no respect.

Yet, God knew ahead of time that I would to be waiting on that particular day, at that exact time, to see those specific kids. Therefore I can consider it a summons from God to pray for those hurting children who are crying out for love and attention.

Every day is packed with opportunities to pray, if only we would take them.

Stepping out the front door into a warm sunny day is a chance to thank God for His marvelous creation.

Reading the newspaper each morning provides a myriad of opportunities to pray for lives that are in crisis, for peace in our land, and for wisdom for world leaders.

Every siren wail is an invitation to pray for God’s intervention in the lives connected with that disturbing sound.

Even menial or monotonous tasks, like scrubbing toilets or paying bills, are chances to thank God for His provision in our lives.

The Bible says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)

~God, thank you for the many opportunities and reminders to pray that You give me throughout the day. May I be faithful in responding to You.

Questions: How can viewing even distressing situations as opportunities to pray change the way we think? What opportunities to pray have been presented to you today?

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