I often say to people, “I will keep you in my prayers.” This saying has been with me since my earliest years in church. Sometimes, it is an immediate response without thinking about what I mean. My prayer life is such a part of my being that my immediate reply involves petitions to God on behalf of the one asking for my intervention. When someone is in distress and asks for my prayers, I acknowledge their pain and promise to include them in my list of those I hold up to God.

     Now is the time for a full disclosure. I am not perfect at the spiritual practice of praying for others. Sometimes, life gets hectic, and I think about how to meet my family’s needs. I let the busyness of life get in my way, and I forget to stop and let the spirit speak through me. I fail to take a moment out of my day so I can focus on the One who gives me strength.

     When I often forget to pray for someone, I feel guilty and beat myself up for my failure. In those moments, remembering God’s grace offers me forgiveness and a new opportunity to make things right, which brings me back to reality. I find the time to reconnect with God and offer the promised prayers to the Divine. I remember that I will have many occasions to lift others up to the Creator.

     Therefore, my beloved friends, when I pledge to remember you in my prayers, know that I am steadfast in my promise. I will not falter in my prayers for you. May God bestow upon you the fortitude to persevere as the sacred offspring of the Most-High.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

and ransomed captive Israel

that mourns in lowly exile here