My mom had minor surgery on her hand last week. She is doing great and is really happy with the results. But, she and I had a fun call the day of her surgery.

I often make calls while on the run. On the day of her procedure, I had talked with Poppa in the afternoon and learned that the event was scheduled for later than I had thought and that the surgeon was running late. So, my timing on calls was off. I was in a long checkout line at Walmart and thought I would see if they were home yet. I was very surprised when Mom answered my call. She shared that Poppa had left to pick up a prescription. She was alone and a little loopy. We had a quick chat and I told her that we loved her and were praying for her. The call was short and so very, very sweet.

My advancement in the checkout line during the call had only moved me up one slot. It was then that the woman in front of me turned around and said, “I overheard you talking on the phone and you said that you would pray for the person. Do you believe in prayer?” Her question surprised me but I could see the pain in her eyes. I shared that I had faith in God. God’s word says that He wants His children to pray, to talk with Him. I don’t believe that my prayers cause things to happen, but that God wants me to share the concerns and joys of my heart and that I trust Him to do the best thing. I tried to keep my explanation short, but I didn’t want her to think that praying is a vending machine-type of operation – so many prayers equals so many positive answers.

She seemed to understand and accept my answer; she may have been a woman of faith herself, I am not sure. Her reply to my explanation was simple, “Would you keep my granddaughter, Hayley, in your prayers? She is 14 and in trouble. We don’t know what to do.” Her eyes filled with tears and so did mine. I told her that I would pray for Hayley and then, because I believe in sharing burdens, I asked her to pray for Mom’s continued healing. We agreed together.

It was her turn at the counter and her attention turned to the clerk. I watched her and prayed and wondered what her granddaughter could be doing. I prayed more. As she finished her transactions, she turned back to me and mouthed silently, “Thanks.” I knew that I should say something. I said, out loud, “God knows where Hayley is; she is His child. I will pray that she turns to Him.” At that, Hayley’s grandmother tried to keep the tears from flowing as she nodded and pushed her cart toward the door.

I have wondered what caused her to turn around and talk with me. It must have taken courage and faith. Perhaps she just needed someone to help her carry an impossible burden.

My belief is that prayer is simply a conversation with God. I don’t need to do or say anything specifically. I don’t have to pray at a specific time, although praying at meal time is a great way to remember to express thankfulness. And, God never ever gets tired of hearing from me. And, I learn so much by praying because a conversation includes listening.

Christmas is only 13 days away. Don’t forget to pray.

 “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6, The Message)

p.s.  If you get a chance, please pray for Hayley and her grandmother.  We will never know what happens in their lives, but we can trust God to hear our prayers.  Thanks!!  Jill (Just one of God’s kids)