When I say I'm praying...

When I tell you that I'm praying for you, or that I will be praying for you, I want you to know that I am totally serious about it. I used to do that on occasion, until God showed me that saying something like "I'll pray" and not doing it is lying, and only me trying to make myself look "Christian."  When folks are in need, religious platitudes won't help (do they ever?) -- they need real answers!

I believe that when I pray, God hears me. I take as 100% true and sure what He has said in His Word regarding His children.

For instance, when the tornado struck Joplin, I said I would pray, and I did.  I asked the Lord to send aid - angels to minister to those in need, according to Hebrews 1:14 where it says angels are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who would inherit salvation", and Psalm 34:7 that says his angels encamp around those who fear Him, to deliver them.

I'm not writing this so you can "ooo" and "aah" over my prayer life, or to offend anyone who has, in the past, said they would pray but didn't. I'm not here to judge you. I just want you to know, that when I say "I'm praying..." I take it as though I've been called to the front line, that I've got your back and I'm in it with you!

“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.  I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:18-20 (NLT)