Often times when a friend shares a need I find myself catching myself from saying “I’m praying for you.” Over the past two years I have become very aware of words said out of obligation and not true intent.
Of course I want the best for any friend going through a tough situation or even having a bad day, but I don’t want to say I will pray and then forget. I don’t want to be disingenuous when I say those words.
So I find myself not saying them at all.
And if I’m honest I often wonder if they might sound hollow. Because let’s face it. When you’re in the middle of a tough situation those words don’t always bring comfort. They should, but it’s often hard to feel that in the midst of your pain when everything seems shrouded in fog and unclear.
I wonder if the words “I’m praying for you” have become the equivalent in the Christian world to the reply “I’m fine” when asked “how are you?” Do we say them because its the phrase to say or because we do not know what else to say? Have they become the expected phrase to say and in turn are said without sincerity?
I’m not sure. I’m thinking out loud here. I guess I’m just wondering how to be genuine in what I say.
What are your thoughts?
