Shoba's Corner: A Prayer Date
I love praying for others, but I used to feel my mind drifting away when I tried to pray for friends, extended family or my own. A work email I had to send or a text I had to reply to distracted me. Then there were dirty dishes staring at me from the sink and the pile of clothes on my bed called me asking to be folded and put away.
One day, last year, I called two of my friends, mothers just like me, and asked if we could fix a time and pray together. Mallika and I decided to pray on Thursday evenings at 4.30 pm. It has been a wonderful time calling on God together, two mothers with different needs. Meryn and I meet on Friday evenings across time zones and oceans to lay our requests before the throne of God. At times I have been feeling tired and worn out, last week she was waiting on a test result and was concerned about her daughter. We remind each other of verses and pray with them too.
Is God calling you to make a prayer date today?
As a group of mothers we gather online, as the MOP (Mothers Out Praying) group once a month on the 3rd Thursday to pray for our children and grandchildren by name.I joined this group last year. It was started in Auckland by my friend Sheila.
Could you gather your own little MOP group and pray?
My son was attending an important interview. I was praying for God’s will to be done in his life. I couldn't find the right words. I texted Rohini, a woman of faith, a mother I look up to, she said she could pray with me after I finished work. As I drove home I was excited. I called Rohini and she prayed. I was reminded of these verses. I was strengthened and encouraged.
Are you struggling with potty training your toddler?- Pray
Is school work taxing your little one?- Pray
Is your angel finding it hard to make friends?- Pray
Are you feeling burdened by the choices your teenager has made?- Pray
Are you at a loss for words to encourage your 23year old who has failed his exam again?- Pray
Is being a single mother leaving you lonely, angry and worried?- Pray
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”-
Colossians 4:2 NIV
Romans 12:12 tells us to be faithful in prayer.
As mothers let us encourage, comfort and urge each other to live lives worthy of God’. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 NIV
Is God calling you to make a prayer date?
Whom can you invite to pray with you?
Which day of the week would work for you?
A few things to remember:
-A prayer date need not be long, 5-10 min, one day of the week is more than enough.
-Keeping requests confidential is very important.
-Pray about a prayer partner and God will lead you to one
-You could pray over the phone, use an online platform or meet in person.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shoba Ranjitsingh is an architect, writer, a proud mother and an absolutely thrilled grandma to little Nivin. Shoba enjoys studying the Bible and her role as STL at Bible Study Fellowship in Auckland in NZ for 6 years has enabled her to now write and lead Women's Bible Studies. Helping women study and enjoy God's Word as they embrace everyday ordinary life is her prayer as a writer. Long walks, cakes, hymns, books, quiet family evenings, chatting with family across oceans describe Shoba. In this phase of life, Ranjit and Shoba enjoy feeding the birds, smelling the roses, pursuing their hobbies and being grateful for all that God has called them to do. Shoba works as a Learning Support in a Primary School in Auckland and everything simple, honest and true bring her joy!