I remember going to church with Mom shortly after Dad had been moved to a nursing facility. During the service, as in most churches, a list of people needing prayer was read.
My eyes closed, I listened to the names. Not that I expected Dad’s name to be read, but he was very much in my thoughts. Only when all the names had been read did it dawn on me: He was missing from the list. Missing here in the church where he’d worshipped for more than 50 years. “Amen,” we said. I looked questioningly at Mom.
“I didn’t want to bother anybody,” Mom whispered. “There are so many people who have big needs.”
“Don’t you think people might want to know?” I asked.
I understood her hesitation, but I also wanted to tell her how grateful I am when someone emails me, calls, leaves a message, posts something on Facebook, lets me somehow know that he or she needs prayer. It’s a call to action, a chance to reach out and reach up, an opportunity to expand my world.
I thought of this recently when a Facebook friend who has faced a tragedy in her life asked for prayer. She’d sent me an email weeks ago, but I was so glad that now she was sharing with others. As you can imagine, the reaction was heartening. All those others joining in prayer, a rapid-fire Facebook community.
If you think you need prayer, don’t for a minute think you’re being selfish. Your request is a gift to all those who care about you and all those want to pray. Even people who don’t know you. Speak out.
“Mom, we’re putting Dad on that list,” I told her at the end of that service. My sister did it even before I had the chance. It was the right thing to do.
When you ask for help, you’re making yourself open to receiving it. From heaven and earth.
