I belong to a prayer group. Each week, we duck out of our jobs and responsibilities to gather for an hour of holding others up. 

 

First, we check in. This centers our hearts, and helps us let go of any worried that have collected like lint in the dryer. Then we voice the names of people who could use extra prayers.

 

Then we pray. 

 

It is a focal point for me, to bring to God not only the requests for healing, and reconciliation, but the expressions of gratitude. Then we scatter. 

 

Another friend was describing to me how she has prayed for her son. Let's pretend that his name is Robert. She inserts his name into the 23rd Psalm, the one that she knows by heart.

 

"The Lord is Robert's shepherd, he shall not want. He makes Robert lie down in green pastures. He leads Robert beside the still waters. He restores Robert's soul. God leads Robert in the paths of righteousness, for His name's sake. Yes, though Robert walks in the valley of the shadow of death, he will fear no evil. For God is with him. God's rod and staff will comfort him. God will prepare a table before Robert in the presence of his enemies. God will anoint his head with oil. Robert's cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow Robert all the days of his life, and he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

 

I found it powerful, and have used it with people I care about. Remembering that they are in God's protection helps me let go of the need to worry.