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Thoughts and Prayers AND…

A storm wrecks havoc on a town – Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You.

Someone is very ill: Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You

A tragedy behalfs a school: Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You

A loved one dies: Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You

You lost your job: Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You

Do you see a pattern here? We give our thoughts and prayers all of the time. Sometimes superficially when someone asks, sometimes very compassionately. Lately, in the arena of gun violence, the term “thoughts and prayers” are like a four-letter word.

Why did that happen?  Why do people not see the power of prayer? The reason is pretty simple: Action.

God wants us to act. He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. We may not want to hear him, but we are called to act. The actions we take are the answers to the prayers of others. God works through us to grant those prayers. If we only think and pray, we are not fulfilling our part.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” – James 2:14-18

We can go to worship. We can pray. We can try to lead a godly life. But without action or service, we have failed. We need to help others come to Christ. How do we do that? Through our actions.

Today a friend of mine was driving an saw an African-American man in a suit next to his car with a flat tire. This was in rural Illinois. Many townspeople gathered and watched but didn’t help. My friend came over and helped him out. He then said he was the mayor of the town (the man who helped) and the stranded motorist was surprised. My friend didn’t want any money. He was glad to help and told the man God Bless. I can imagine that the stranded motorist was struggling, praying, and hoping for help. My friend answered as the Holy Spirit is within him.

Now it is your turn. TIme to give your thoughts, your prayers, and your actions to those who need it.

Are you willing to be God’s hands and answer prayers? Are you ready to give actions along with your thoughts and prayers?

I am ready and willing with the help of God.