Praying in Circles

We all have those times when we show up at the restaurant and soon realize that this is not only about meeting a friend for lunch but a divine appointment instead.  That’s how I felt recently when I had lunch with Cathy.

During lunch, Cathy asked me “What’s been going on in your church over the summer?”  That question opened the door to an avenue of hope.  I eagerly shared the mid-week series about Prayer Circles taken from author Mark Batterson, and how the sanctuary was filled with round tables where we gathered in circles to study about praying for our families, our church, our community and our nation.  Then we actually roamed the church grounds with our “circles” and prayed.

I’d been praying for Cathy long before my calendar listed our lunch.  Cathy is worried these days about her daughter.  I mentioned the book I just read:  Praying Circles Around Your Children.  I liked the clever way the author taught about finding a verse in God’s Word that targets the situation and praying that promise from God for our kids.  I liked reading about the creative parents who hung decorated plaques in their children’s bedrooms with their names on them followed by their meaning, calling forth those things in their little lives.  I thought about how cute that would have looked in my home when “Beloved” and “Strength” were growing up!

Imagine us, two moms, having lunch and knowing how the other one feels.  We reminded ourselves that God really cares about the details of our children’s lives.  He cares about her daughter’s illness and my daughter’s upcoming custody battle with the hassle of lawyers and mediation preparation for court again.    We were set up by God for that lunch and His powerful presence lifted and united us.  When we hugged goodbye, Cathy asked me to send her my book.  Now I can’t wait for our next lunch date.  Hopefully, we’ll have praise reports to share!  Until then, we’re praying circles around our children.