I’m going to ask you a series of “first impression” questions. The goal is to have a good answer without thinking or analyzing too much.
If things like this make you anxious, relax. You’re in complete control here.
You may want to really put some legs under this exercise by writing down your answers somewhere.
Okay, ready? Give your first answer to the following questions.
1. What is your most recent spiritual lesson, preferably from the Bible?
(It could be from a recent sermon, something you read, or whatever. My most recent one is from Colossians 4:10, about how John Mark was useful to Paul now after Paul had rejected him earlier as a quitter. Gotta love the redeeming power of the gospel! Okay… your turn…)
2. Who is on your mind right now, regardless of the reason?
(This one’s easy for me – my wife just hollered from the other room that I had missed a phone call. So she’s on my mind. How ‘bout you? Who was the first person who came to mind?)
3. If the Holy Spirit wanted to apply your most recent spiritual lesson to the person on your mind, but would only do so if you partnered with him and prayed for that person, what would you pray?
(In my wife’s case, I am praying that the Lord would honor her faithfulness and maturity and that others would be refreshed and strengthened by her today in her work, as Paul was by John Mark.)
There. You have a “living” prayer list. It’s living in the sense that it can literally change moment to moment. It’s living in the sense that the Holy Spirit can adjust any point to any person in your heart to apply His transforming power.
Pay attention to the people who pass on your “radar” through the day. The curious people. The annoying people. The hurtful people. The attractive people. The interesting people. The impressive people. The unimpressive people. The stranger whose car reminds you of someone you know. Maybe the Lord has His own reason for bringing them to your mind.
Pay attention to the lessons and truths He is teaching you. Here’s a radical idea – maybe they aren’t just for your consumption.
So… who are you praying for and what are you asking God to do?