There are people in our lives that we want to help.

There are people in our lives that we want to protect.

There are people in our lives that we want to see grow, changed, and empowered.

There are people in our lives that we want to see come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

What are we to do? What can we do for these people that we love?  There are things that we can do to help in each of these situations. We can help and protect and teach and love. But, in the end, we can’t do everything.

As much as I want to protect my kids, at some point I send them out to the world.

As much as I want folks to be saved, there’s only so much I can “do.”

So, what can we do?

Listen to Paul in Colossians this morning:

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

Paul reminds us that the absolute best thing we can do for those that we love is to pray for them.  Pray for their safety. Their salvation. Their growth. Their very lives.

What can we do?  We can pray.

Prayer is not the last option for a Christian.  Prayer should be the first option.

Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have at our disposal.  Prayer is the greatest force God has given us. Prayer is more powerful than we can even understand. Prayer changes things.

In this life, where we so want these things for those that we love, prayer is our greatest option.  Today, are you praying?

Don’t turn to it last.  Turn to it first.  And know that God hears and God blesses.

What can we do? We can pray.