Something Kind of Quirky and Cool that I Realized I do All the Time
I’m not sure how it started or where it began. The best I can remember is hearing or reading a few different things that when fragmented together have created a practice that I do all the time now that I’m often not even cognizant of it.
1. I pray for and bless people all the time.
Whenever a child comes in to my space, I never miss an opportunity to speak a silent blessing over them and touch them on the head or shoulder if I can. I also try to compliment them in some way so they know that I saw something of beauty, value and worth about them.
I got this from Wess Stafford, the long time CEO of Compassion intl. His book, “Just a Minute,” changed everything for me about my interaction with children.
2. I always pray blessing over people.
I read somewhere a long time ago that the ancient Jews used to speak 100 blessings a day over their kids and I thought, “Well, I can do that over people.” So anytime I pat someone on the shoulder I bless them in my mind. Every time.
Also, I do that with my kids. Anytime I touch them, I pray a silent blessing over them in my head.
3. Whenever someone asks me to pray for them about something random, I always do.
Right in that second, I stop in my head and ask God for blessing and wisdom for them in that situation. It maybe takes 4 seconds. That way I’m not lying when I say I will pray for them as I walk away. Truth is, I already did.
4. Finally, and this one is completely random but I suppose it’s worth noting and hopefully helpful to you in some way. I always pray during the National Anthem. Always.
I always thank God for our country and ask him to continue to keep the door of freedom open that we might have continued opportunity to preach the gospel here and around the world. Always. Every time.
If you’re a leader, you can begin to pray silent prayers of blessing over people every time you shake a hand or pat a shoulder. Suddenly a handshake is more than a handshake when you get the blessing of God involved.