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There was a time when my ability to recall a task was so good that I did not need to write things down. My memory was sharp, and I could remember what I needed to do. Now that I am older and life has gotten busier, my memory is questionable at times. Now I rely on a list to help me remember. Whether it is buying groceries, doctor appointments, bill payments or attending a meeting, there is nothing wrong with putting reminders in your calendar, creating a list, or storing those passwords in a safe place if you remember where you put them.
We have entered the Lenten season when many Christians sacrifice, self-examine, and pray daily. Believers everywhere take part in Lent, which emulates Jesus's time in the desert facing temptation for 40 days. Prayer is essential, especially in this season of waiting for an end to a pandemic. Ephesians 6:18 (NIV): gives us this reminder, "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 Lord's people." Lent is also the time to shed some things that may be weighing us down. Christians everywhere are united in prayer. Jesus prayed for all believers' unity, present and future, as we read in John 17:20-23.
Lent began on Wednesday, February 17th and will end on April 3rd. Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24 (NIV): “Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Here are some suggestions for prayer. I call it my Lenten Prayer List.… Feel free to add to this list or to elaborate on what is listed as the Spirit leads.
Prayer for those affected by COVID-19.
A prayer blessing that the vaccine will be enough to combat COVID-19.
Prayer that everyone who needs to will receive their vaccine.
Prayer for those facing financial hardships during this time.
Prayer for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, whether from COVID-19 or another illness or reason.
Prayer for unity and peace in the world.
Prayer for justice.
Prayer for anyone dealing with depression or mental health concerns.
Prayer for the sick and injured.
Prayer for the widow.
Prayer for families.
Prayer for husbands and wives.
Prayer for the school system.
Prayer for our youth.
Prayers for daycare workers and daycare children.
Prayers for the disenfranchised.
Prayers for Churches and the scattered congregation.
Prayer for our enemies.
Prayer for hospital workers.
Prayer for pharmacy personnel.
Prayer for healthcare workers
Prayer for service departments, i.e. the police, paramedics, firefighters.
Prayer for office and retail clerks.
Prayer for road workers.
Prayer for office workers.
Prayer for taxi drivers.
Prayer for the delivery personnel.
Prayer for our prisons.
Prayer for those struggling with addictions.
Prayer for transit drivers.
Prayer for custom officers.
Prayers for transport truck drivers.
Prayers for grocery store workers.
Prayers for coffee shop employees.
Prayer for Pastors and Ministry teams.
Prayer for those who are seeking salvation.
Prayer for the lonely.
Prayer for the elderly.
Prayer for the government-workers and lawmakers.
Prayer for the one who wrote this blog and prayer for those who read it.
James 5:16 reminds us that the fervent prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective. Again, feel free to add to this list or to elaborate on what is listed.
The Lenten season is also a time of reflection and examination. It is a time to invite God into our hearts and minds as we discover in Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV): “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Yes, there is no lack of who we can be praying for at this time. We all need prayer, and we all need improvement. The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit does not cease while we are on earth. Just knowing that someone is praying for you and me makes all the difference in the world. Jesus, who now sits at the Father's right hand, still prays for us as our intercessor and mediator. So, thank you for taking the time to pray each day during this Lenten season. Remember, our God blesses and answers prayer.