Thoughtful Thursday

 I know right off the bat that there are going to be people who are going to tell me that this isn't true for them but I've discovered something really neat lately.  When I commit to pray about something or someone and I actually DO it sticks in my brain for years.  Delayed prayer is delayed care.  That'll stop you from saying "I'll pray about it, for you, etc." really fast....unless you fully intend to pray!  It shouldn't be simply a social nicety to tell people we're praying... unless we really truly pray!!

Praying improves my memory.  Now to be fair, I am one of those extroverted lovers of all people.  I do not know a stranger.  I delight in learning names and remembering them.  I like that extra level of connection.  But in the last few years I've really put it to the test.  I've been asked to memorize not only the names of the children I minister to but their caregiver's name as well, through daily specific prayer.  In my delight with this ministry, I have fully committed to doing just that...and wow, what a blessing.  I've run into people at the grocery store, children's museum, zoo, years later and remembered them....completely.  That's GOD, my friend!!

Because, when we pray...REALLY pray...we start to care about people in the right ways.  We inquire and pray not just for the physical but for the spiritual.  Life's not about circumstances...it's about the heart's true health.  That eternal perspective I keep mentioning.  Ever notice that the Lord's Prayer is a lot more GOD focused than anything else??

Lately, I've been attempting to pray Scripture back to God.  This is something that I had heard about but never tried.  It's been such a blessing.  I've discovered that if I pray the same Scripture repeatedly...it becomes a memorized part of me in a way just flat trying to recall it never would have accomplished. 

Try it...I know you'll love it.  Even if your memory doesn't improve your heart health will!!