I prayed for Mary A. Potter of North Carolina this morning. I called her name aloud as I lifted her to the Lord. Now, I don’t know Mary, but she shared her story of being a widow in a devotional I read. When I finished it, I paused to pray. Perhaps it was because we share the bump in the road aptly termed widowhood. Perhaps it was because in that moment I was reminded of how we who profess Christ as Savior are to “always pray,”; to “pray unceasingly.” And not just for ourselves, but for those who share the journey with us. For those like Mary. And when we can, to call their names “out loud.”
Many years ago, my son’s godmother told me that in one of their conversations about the faith, he asked her to “call his name out loud” whenever she prayed for him. No silent mouthing of “Quentin,” but a clear pronunciation of his name to the Lord. Over the years, she has often repeated that story, and never fails when sending her greetings to remind me to tell him she’s still calling his name “out loud” in her prayers.
Of course I’m not suggesting that calling aloud the names of those for whom we pray is a prerequisite. Many times we don’t know their names, just their circumstances: the babies, the toddlers, the young children, the teenagers currently housed by our government in internment camps; the continuing victims of oppression, violence, war, racial hatred here and around the world; and other manifestations of sin having its way. Praying for others by name or not is a mandate for us as Christians. Somehow, calling aloud a name lends a personal connection and I like that. So I suggest when you can, do that. Who knows but in that moment when you say their name “out loud,” the person for whom you pray may feel a touch from the Savior.
Sometimes it is the simple things that make all the difference.
Love. Joy. Peace.