In my whole life I have never seen a child that looked or acted more like their dad than my grandson, Brayden. He is 7 years old now and I’m still awestruck at the amazing similarities. But there’s one way he’s like his Nana, that me. He shares my love for nature. I hope to make this quick and painless. I know some people cringe when proud grandmas drag out their pictures or start their stories. But this is a pretty amazing story. I have to share his amazing first week, back to school story.
Brayden was on his way to the bus stop when he spotted something white beside a brick on the ground. Always on the lookout for something to collect, he bent closer. It was only about the size of the end of his thumb. He touched it and it felt squishy. He knew he had found a lizard egg. Smart boy! (I think I have a scientist in the making. Or is this a proud grandma talking? Maybe both.) He handed it to his mom. Way to go Kimberly. She didn’t scream or complain, she took it back to the car to keep for him until he got home from school.
On the way to take Ashlyn to school, she noticed a distinct change in the egg case and then she realized the lizard had hatched. Now this was super cool. I wish I had been there. To watch a lizard hatch would have to be the coolest thing ever!
You can only imagine the excitement Brayden shared with me that afternoon when he got home. No, they didn’t keep the lizard for him to see. 
And no, a picture isn’t even close to the same thing. But enough of my nature loving rantings, I want to do more than brag about Brayden, I want to bring it home to you using this illustration.
As believers we know it’s important to pray.
“… yet ye have not, because ye ask not. James 4:2
“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask , and ye shall receive , that your joy may be full .” John 16:24
“For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Timothy 2:2
As believers we know it’s important to live a life of purpose and significance.
But, there’s that game changing word. You know what but means, don’t you? It means forget everything I just said, because I’m about to tell you what I really mean. But, there it is again, now pay attention… as a human being life requires a myriad of responsibilities that overwhelm us. With that in mind how can I fulfill my role as a father (or mother), my job, my home and still live a life of significance and find time to pray. That is a question that leaves most honest people scratching their heads. How can I do it all? The reality is, we really can’t. We have to edit the none essentials out of our lives so we accomplish the important things. But that is another blog for another day. My point today is prayer.
Praying for others
Enlarges our circle of influence.
Is one way to live purposefully and significantly.
Start Seeing
Brayden would have missed, and for that matter his Nana would have missed an amazing experience, if he had not looked.
And when you see it …Pray
When Brayden saw the lizard egg, he picked it up! When you see something, pray. Maybe it is a person riding their bike or someone sitting in the car beside you at the traffic light. You don’t have to know them, just pray for them. It doesn’t have to be aloud. It doesn’t have to be long, just pray. Ask God to help you pray if you’re not sure how to pray about it. Don’t over think it, just pray. Ask God to open your eyes to people around you that need prayer. Pray while you drive. Whisper a prayer for someone while you shop or pick up the dry cleaning.
Then there are prayer reminders that I have established in my life. Kinda like tying a string around my finger. When I see them, I pray.
Let me give you my two favorites.
Political Advertisements
Every time a political advertisement comes on the TV or radio, instead of pushing the button on the remote. I push my prayer button. I pray….
1. that God will open people’s eyes to the truth instead of political rhetoric.
2. that God will help people to receive the truth and act on truth instead of lies.
School Bus
1. I pray for the children on the bus and the bus driver. I pray for their safety and that they will come to know Christ as their savior.
2. I pray for the school where they are going, the teachers and the principal. That they will know Christ as their Savior and teach truth.
Needs are all around you. And you can do something about them. Start by noticing…but don’t stop there…PRAY!
OK! I know you’re out there with lots of prayer ideas to share. What are some prayer reminders that you have in put in place to help you remember to pray for specific things? Share them with us.
More Links on Prayer:
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