“May I Pray With You?”

The young man and his small daughter sat across from me at an outdoor breakfast event. I did not mean to cry as we talked about our summer experiences, but tears slipped out as I shared a cherished dream that had been torn away at the point of fulfillment. “May I pray with you?” he asked, gently taking my hand. I do not remember his specific words, but I remember his kindness pouring balm on my wounded heart. Why are we reluctant to offer the gift of prayer? Our words may be simple, even clumsy, but God hears our hearts as well as the heart cries of those for whom we pray. The next time you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to pray for a friend — or a stranger — go ahead and ask: “May I pray with you?”