A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of being an overnight guest in the home of one of my favorite people, Pat Cain. When I arose in the morning and tiptoed into the living room of her small, cozy home, Pat was already up and dressed. I knew she spent the first part of her day with the Lord in this room, so I apologized for being in her way. She said, “Oh, no, not all. I’ve already had my prayer time.” Before my first cup of coffee Pat was up and talking to the Lord.

Her comments made me think, “I wish I was on her prayer list.” Oh, to know that Pat took me before the Lord on a regular basis would be such a gift!

Then I started thinking why did I yearn for her to pray for me?

 

• Pat knows God is good. Her eighty-three years have brought her her share of hard times and sorrow, but one of her most frequent and heartfelt sayings is “Isn’t God good!”
• She prays from a heart of faith that knows God is good.
• She trusts God for good in the lives of those she prays for.
• I can just see her talking to God as her Father and Friend—pouring her heart out and asking, even pleading with God to move in the hearts and lives of those she loves. I know she has God’s attention. Who could resist hearing the heart of this generous, loving woman?
• Pat prays expecting God to work. She brings her loved ones to God and knows He will care for them.
• Pat believes prayer gets the attention of God and moves God to work on our behalf.

I shared these thoughts with Pat’s daughter (and one of my dearest friends, Claudia). She shared with me a recent story that epitomized why I want to be on Pat’s prayer list.  Claudia is the director of families, small groups, and women’s ministries in a large church. This coupled with her Masters’ Degree in Counseling makes her a sought after speaker. She was asked to represent the community of faith on a panel of city officials discussing domestic violence. Her morning was crazy and she rushed to the meeting unprepared. However, throughout the discussion wise and timely answers kept coming to her. Back in her car she paused to thank God for His faithfulness even when she did not take time to ask for His help. Then she quickly checked her appearance in her rearview mirror before leaving. She noticed her collar was up and as she folded it back into place God reminded her that her mom, Pat, had ironed her blouse. As Pat does Claudia’s ironing, she prays for Claudia. Claudia did not take time to pray that day, but she had been brought to God through Pat’s prayers while ironing.

While I know God adores and cherishes Pat, I also know He feels the same way about you and I. God gives Pat His full attention in her intimate early morning talks with Him. God does the same for us. We, too, can be a person that people desire to be on our prayer list. We need only to follow Pat’s example of childlike, yet mature faith in her Lord Who has never let her down—not once.

I’m going to ask Pat to pray for me. Who do you need to pray fervently and faithfully for? Is there someone you’d like to pray for you? I’d love to hear who and why.

 

 

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.