As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you…              1 Samuel 12:23a

I usually do not accompany my husband when he goes out of town for a big bicycle ride, but, for some reason, this time I did. We quickly checked into our hotel and headed back out to go eat with some of his cycling buddies.

My husband stopped in the lobby to speak with the person behind the counter, but I kept going. When I got outside, I noticed a woman sitting on a bench smoking and talking on the phone. Normally I try to get away from cigarette smoke as soon as possible, but I could not help hearing her conversation with the person on the other end. “Pray for me.” she said several times. “Pray for ME.”

Before I knew it or could stop myself, I heard myself enthusiastically say, “I can pray for you!” She looked at me and I looked at her. We decided to go for it even though neither one of us seemed to know exactly how to proceed.

I introduced myself and she told me her name was Pearl. She asked if she should put out her cigarette, but I assured her she did not. Not knowing her situation, I grabbed her hand and began to pray a simple prayer that God would grant her safety on her journey and would give her rest and peace.

I do not know where Ms. Pearl went from there, but I know that her allowing me to pray for her blessed me as a highlight of my trip. Had I not stopped or had she reacted negatively, we both would have missed out on something special.

Thank you, Ms. Pearl and thank you, God.

Lord, thank you for the blessing of being able to pray to you anytime and anywhere. Keep my eyes open so that I will always notice these moments when I should stop what I am doing and pray right then for whoever You have put in my path.

Susan P