As a coworker left the room I let him know we’d be praying for him. I said this statement as if in closing, the easiest way to say goodbye since I couldn’t imagine telling him “have a good weekend” as he was heading to a family funeral.

Yet the words stayed on my mind as he walked out of the room. Would I pray for him?

So I thought to pray then and there, but instead felt plagued by the phrase, unable to focus. How different would my faith walk be if I asked, “Can I pray with you?” instead of telling people, “I’ll pray for you” or even worse “I’ll be praying for you,” as though I would be doing so continually.

These phrases are only bad because rarely do I follow through.

But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. – Matthew 5:37

I mean well, however I am lying if I don’t hold myself accountable. So, instead I thought that I should approach people to pray with them, in that moment.

Together.

How much more could the Holy Spirit work through that interaction as I allow God to work through my words and my prayers? How much more would that person feel supported with a genuine exchange rather than a half-hearted promise? How would a moment of vulnerability in expressing my faith help transform the heart of others?

Not everyone will want to pray with me, but then I can take the time to pray silently, right then and there. With ongoing needs, I can work to keep a prayer journal in my pocket to update regularly. Not only could it help with my intentions, but perhaps it’ll improve my prayers life.

Perhaps it will create more meaningful relationships as I aim to keep Christ at the center.