One of the Best Ways We Can Love Our Loved Ones

Inside: When we care deeply for people, we can demonstrate that love by praying them through every season of their lives. Plus, we take a moment to commemorate a blogging milestone. ~

I’m all about celebrating big and small milestones—in my actual life as well as online. So before we get to the heart of today’s post, I thought I’d mention this is the 500th time I’ve hit “publish” here on the blog.

As someone who has mostly only posted once a week, it’s taken me a while to reach this number. And while I never had it as a goal, it’s fun to stop for a moment and give thanks.

For readers near and far, for a schedule that allows me time to do this, and especially for God’s grace that has sustained me and my family through the ups and downs that I’ve written about in many of those posts.

If you’ve been here for any length of time, you know prayer is a topic near and dear to my heart. As my daughters move further into young adulthood, I don’t see that changing much.

In fact, one of the most important ways I can love my family during this season of our lives is by praying for them.

That doesn’t just apply to me, of course. Prayer is a pivotal spiritual practice no matter who we are or what stage of life we may be in.

• • •

In waiting rooms and living rooms, bedrooms and examination rooms. In the garden, the shower, the pickup line, the checkout line.

Love prays.

Through windshield time, nap time, crunch time, white-knuckle time.

Love prays.

On vacation days, sick days, project bid days. On beautiful days, hard days, tired days,

Love prays.

With anguished cries and whispers of praise, with a gush of words or no words at all.

Love prays.

When tears are flowing and stomachs are churning. When thankfulness is flowing and happiness is growing. When hearts are pounding and pulses are racing.

Love prays.

When the road is long, when the path is smooth. When the diagnosis is clear, when the outcome is uncertain. When the surgery is successful, when the procedure fails.

Love prays.

For wisdom, for healing, for strength, for protection. For peace, for comfort, for understanding, for faith. For redemption, for conviction, for boldness, for patience.

Love prays.

For what’s good, for what’s better, for what’s best.

Love prays.

When the future shines bright, when eternity shines brighter.

Love prays.

In the face of fear, of rejection, of discouragement. On days of grace and hope and change.

Love prays.

When the answers are obvious, when there’s no end in sight.

Love prays.

Across the miles, across the street. In the dead of night, at the break of dawn. Over the years and minute by minute.

Love prays.

When it’s hard to let go, when it’s hard to hold on.

Love prays.

During testing hours and weeks of blessing. During moments of rejoicing and seasons of grief.

Love prays.

When there’s too much to do and nothing left to do.

Love prays.

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.