Intentional Prayer

The last few weeks have been very long and full of worry. It is never comforting to be in the care of multiple specialists who keep scratching their heads because "you're a mystery". However, we all know that we go through tough times in order to grow in our faith and spirituality. I am no exception to this. Since returning to the real world, I can't even put a number on how many people have said, with complete passion, I was praying for you. They didn't just say it, they meant it, 100%. It has made me think... how often have I told someone that I would pray for them? It slides off the tongue pretty easy when you are in a conversation with someone who is struggling. But I have to be honest and confess that I don't always follow through with that promise. It isn't intentional, which is exactly the problem. My prayers are scattered throughout the day as the need arises. I might be in the car, walking down the hall at school, or watching t.v. I don't think this is a bad thing, however, at what point is my prayer focused and intentional?
In James 5:16 it says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
I am proof that prayer is just that! I had every test imaginable in the past 2 weeks. I went from mono screenings to Spinal Taps to a Bone Marrow biopsy. Things went from a slight concern to major red flags. And then, just as mysteriously as everything appeared, it disappeared....how else do you explain that except for all of those people who were lifting me up so that I "may be healed"?
So many people made a commitment to intentionally pray for my well-being. What I have realized is that I have to make a better commitment to my prayers for others. So my goal this week is:
1. to really keep track of those who are hurting and need to be lifted up
2. to set aside a time where my prayer can be intentional
This may mean that I will be praying in the bathtub instead of watching t.v., but I am committed to making the most out of my prayer this week, and in the weeks that follow.
Thank you to all of you who lifted me up in prayer, may many blessings come your way for your compassion and kindness!