How Can We Pray for You?

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:5-6

I’m not sure what made me say it, but as I started to speak, I knew it was right.

“We are about to pray over our meal. How can we pray for you?”

Tears filled the young waitress’ eyes. Her hands fanned her face as she tried to speak.

She relayed just enough of her story to reveal the dark days behind her. As she limped away, I could see a hint of hope in her step. She was valuable. Strong. Seen. She would make it.

I’ve heard stories of people asking their restaurant servers how they could pray for them. I’d even seen it done a time or two. It just never had felt right to me before. But in this moment, it was fitting. I know our little gesture meant something to her. I also believe God answers prayer. He can and will work in her life.

While my family won’t do this every time we dine out, we will when we think it’s appropriate. If the server declines, that is fine. We will still engage with kindness and respect. We will leave a good tip and show that Christians are considerate.

And if a door opens to talk about Jesus, we will walk through it.

While I don’t want to rely on a formula to share Jesus, I do want to be strategic.

How can you move through your daily interactions with people to show them the love and grace of Jesus?

Lord, when I dine out or shop, help me be sensitive to the people before me. Let me see them as You do and interact with them in a way that draws them to You.

Whitney