Pray

Recently I’ve come to recognize the awesome privilege I have to pray for my friends. To extend my trust in God to include trusting Him with their lives.

Only last week I encountered a uncomfortable loneliness; a friend essentially told me she didn’t care about my life. That moment was important. It shocked me into a more concerted effort to listen to those around me. To intentionally love. To take the time to make sure that the details of your lives really matter to me. And they do.

Friends, I love you. And as many of you are at exciting crossroads and beginning new chapters of great adventures, know that I’m praying for you.

I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends
While the road we walk is difficult indeed
I couldn’t not ask for more than what you’ve already been
Only that you would say these prayers for me

May your heart break enough that compassion enters in
May your strength all be spent upon the weak
All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head
May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet

May you find every step to be harder than the last
So your character grows greater every stride
May your company be of human insignificance
May your weakness be your only source of pride

What you do unto others may it all be done to you
May you meet the One who made us
And see Him smile when life is through

May your blessings be many but not what you hoped they’d be
And when you look upon the broken
May mercy show you what you could not see

May you never be sure of any plans you desire
But you’d learn to trust the plan He has for you
May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire
May you fight with all your life for what is true

I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends
But what I wish is more than I could ever speak
As the way wanders on I’ll long to see you once again
Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?
Oh, that you would pray for me

~Kendall Payne, “Pray“