Write them down

I know I distressed you greatly with my letter. Although I felt awful at the time, I don’t feel at all bad now that I see how it turned out. The letter upset you, but only for a while. Now I’m glad—not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss. – 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 MSG

About 6 months ago I felt God instructing me to write out my prayers for my husband in my prayer journal. Not only would it make me more specific in my prayers, but it would also keep me focused and in time I would be able to look back and see what God was doing with them.

Last week I noticed that my husband was very reserved and deep in thought. Later that evening we had time to talk and he said, “I know you pray a lot for me. Don’t ask how I know, I just know.” I could tell by the placement of items in my office that he had read my prayer journal.

At first I was surprised that he had read something similar to a diary, but then quickly my mind thought, “Good.” I’m glad he knows what and how often I do pray for him.

After further discussion he told me that the words in the prayers hurt because they were the truth about his attitude and the challenges that he faces. He said it was hard to read knowing that they expressed my heart and feelings about him. Then he said, “I want to do better. I’m sorry. Thank you for loving me.”

Today’s passage perfectly expressed what I had just experienced. In the waiting I wondered what God’s plan was and little did I know that part of that plan was for my husband to read my prayer journal and see the constant, daily prayers on his behalf. Seeing the prayers written out every day had a much greater impact than just telling him that I pray for him.

Another blessing from writing down my prayer requests is that while I was praying for specific things, sometimes complaining about things, I began to see the plank in my own eye. Many times I would be focused on the issues of others when I had the same or greater issue in my own life. God doesn’t waste a thing.

Thank you Lord for Your incredible way of reaching us through prayers. I pray for Godly change for both of us and I know that You will finish what You’ve started.