Prayers for Others

Over the last ten days I have been in contact with thousands of people I never met before and probably will never meet again.  I decided on this vacation to make it a point to pray for people who I come in contact with.  It's easy to pray for ones who you know their needs but to actually pray for people you know nothing about is another story.

I prayed for...

...the flight attendants who served me on the flights.  I prayed for protection for them and blessings.  I prayed for protection over marriages as they are separated from their spouses for periods of time.

...the workers in the line to get on the ship.  There was not one of them crabby which to me was amazing on an early Sunday morning.  I prayed for them to be blessed with people who thanked them for their services.

...the housekeeping staff on the ship.  I prayed for them as they are away from their family for long periods of time.  I prayed they would know the contentment of Jesus' love.

...fellow cruisers who were drinking and spending money in the casino.  I prayed they would be woke up to the lifestyle they are living and come to know the Lord.

...the handicapped passengers on the cruise.  I prayed the Lord would encourage them throughout their days with people who would bless them with His Love.  

...the impoverished we saw at ports of call to be blessed by those who were on the cruise.  I prayed for open doors for them that will change their lives.

...the many people in New Orleans that are being ate up with addiction.  I prayed someone would say something to change their walk of life.  I prayed for the ones who were laying on the sidewalks with their bottles to be saved by the precious blood of Jesus.

...the people who were going to be partying on Bourbon Street that night as we walked through the neighborhood in the morning.  I prayed against sins of this world and for the Lord to become real to them.

...the ones on the bus who were in need of blessings in different ways.  As I sat there and watched the young lady who kept falling to sleep over and over I wondered if she were a Mom who was on her way home after working all night.  I wondered if the man who was dressed in a shirt and tie with tennis shoes on had been given clothes to go to an interview.  I saw the one man and the one woman who had obvious mental handicaps.  I also saw the one young lady with a physical handicap and thanked the Lord for the kindness the bus driver showed to her.  Several young people who were dressed for work at a local grocery store and restaurant.  I prayed they would have Jesus' peace in their hearts as they went throughout their day.

So many people over so many miles with so many prayers sent up.  I'm thankful the Lord blessed me with this time to have my focus adjusted in some different ways.  I'm thankful He gave me time alone with my husband.  I'm thankful I can say He is My Almighty Father who blesses me in so many ways.  I pray He blesses my prayers for others in great ways too.

Dear Jesus,
The things You opened my eyes up to over these last ten days have been amazing.  Some have been easy to take while others haven't been.  I pray for this trip to continue to impact me, Lord.  Father, open my eyes to exactly what You so desire for me to see each and every day.  Lord, bless my prayers for others in abundance.  Touch lives to see You in a way they have never seen You before.  Open doors that need opened in lives and shut doors that need shut.  Amen.