I had an email exchange with a friend this morning who’s got some difficult things on her mind (success in a desperately-longed for job interview being the very least of them).
Anyway, I told her in all solemnity that I’d pray for her, and I meant it and I have.
As I reflected on whatever baggage I hold that informs me saying I’ll pray for someone, this (iTunes link) Sarah McLachlan tune came to mind.
The entire song doesn’t fit entirely, but here’s the basic gist of it: the singer has gotten word that her lover/partner is about to die, and she (the singer) is coming to terms with that impending loss. (Some of this I read in an interview with Sarah M.; some of it I glean from the song.)
The part you care about comes toward the very end (3:45). The singer prays,
Oh God
If you’re out there won’t you hear me
I know that we’ve never talked before
Oh God
The man I love is leaving
Will you take him
When he comes to your door
With 100% transparency (and sincerity) I share with you that that’s the sort of timidity that marked my prayers this morning and any other time I’ve prayed the past year or so.
“God, we don’t talk often, and I don’t know how You’ll take this… but would You help me by helping my hurting friend? Okay; thanks. I’ll leave You alone now. Thanks for helping my friend.”
Here’s the video; I’d love for you to give it a look. I’d forgotten how truly powerful and gorgeous a tune it was.
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