The other day I saw a 7-pack of kids underwear – Pixar themed – that I knew my son would love. We’re about to attempt potty training, so hey, parents often do whatever is necessary.
Monday had the face of Lightning McQueen.
Tuesday had the face of Tow Mater.
Wednesday had the face of Chick Hicks.
Thursday, Sally.
Friday, Mack.
You get the idea…
The belief is that with each new face for each new day the kids interest would be peaked just enough that they would feel inspired to start training again the next day… and the next…. and the next… until they get it.
That led to a thought.
What if we changed our prayers in the same way we change our underwear? Every day a different focus. Every day a different face of inspiration. Every day a different goal to help deepen and enrich our prayer life.
Sunday is the face of church.
Monday is the face of family.
Tuesday is the face of friends & co-workers.
Wednesday is the face of government.
Thursday is the face of community.
Friday is the face of your home.
And Saturday is about you… imagine that – putting yourself last?
The hope is that with each new face for each new day your prayer life will grow deep, well balanced, selfless, focused and purposeful because you are choosing to humble yourself and remember other people in the midst of your own journey.
I truly believe that when we take the time to consider other people, we start to understand that we are the body of Christ. We are all in this together. And when we choose to expand our thinking, we expand perspective. When we expand perspective, we begin to see our problems in a smaller light. We being to see that no one person is more important than the other, no one prayer request should trump another. We bear each other’s burdens so the body of Christ is united, encouraged and strengthened.
When you start to think and pray for other people, you begin positioning yourself to be available for how God can use YOU to make a difference.
Here’s a cool story to prove it:
My prayer for you is this:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
~Numbers 6:24-26
