You know that person you have a problem with?
You know when you think of that person non-stop because you just want to punch him or maybe you detest the way she talks or maybe she just made you really mad?
Did you know that that specific person is coming to your mind so you can pray?
Yes, that person!
I truly believe if someone comes to our minds we ought to pray for them. Sometimes we get a thought randomly about someone. I think that really could be a thought from God because that person needs prayer (and then God may also lead you to do more than pray, but that is another subject).
That happened to me today...well, I think it did. I am still dealing with being a bit discouraged. Not about anything in particular. Not about anything that is bothering me. I just feel kind of lost inside and purposeless. I know this isn't reality. I have great purpose (as you do). I am a child of God. I am a mother of six children. I am the wife of a wonderful man. I am a friend. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a member of a church. I am the crazy lady who likes to make cookies and draw. And in all these roles (and others I didn't mention) there is purpose, God-given purpose to share His love.
Nonetheless I've not been right emotionally. So then I haven't been right thought-wise either.
But today, this afternoon, the cloud around me lifted. And right now that cloud is nowhere in sight.
I know someone prayed for me. I don't know who (besides Jesus. Jesus intercedes for me and you all the time) and I don't need to know who. I am just thankful they prayed.
Prayer is so powerful.
Going back to that one person you'd rather not pray for. That is exactly why you should pray for him or her. I had a problem with a certain person years ago. It had a hold on me. So every time she came to mind I prayed for her. Eventually the thought of her no longer had a hold on me. Eventually I came to love her with Christ's love. Eventually I moved beyond my petty thoughts and had good thoughts about her. I still pray for her when she comes to mind (this was 20+ years ago).
Oswald Chambers writes, "Being a disciple means deliberately identifying yourself with God's interests in other people."
And, "We must continually keep our soul open to the fact of God's creative purpose, and never confuse or cloud it with our own intentions."
So thank you for the prayers.
And when you come to my mind I shall pray for you.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,"
1 Timothy 2:1