There’s been an enormous outpouring of social media memes to “Pray for LA,” and that’s a good thing. Despite the criticism from secular people, I believe prayer changes things — and often changes the person praying.
But as you pray for the victims of the fires in Los Angeles, I would suggest that rather than a generic “pray for LA,” you get specific. The Bible encourages us to be specific in our prayers. In Matthew 20, Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Philippians 4 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
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Specific prayers
So, I’d encourage us all to be specific when it comes to prayer. And if you don’t know anyone or any situation specifically, start with praying for:
– Elderly people who have lost everything and have to start over.
– Disabled people who have limited options for escaping the fire and restarting their lives.
– Those who are alienated or live alone from their families through divorce, brokenness, or death and have no one in their family to call on for help.
– Those living in poverty with no financial resources.
– Those who have lost their home insurance.
– Those struggling with the emotional devastation that comes with losing everything.
That’s a good start. …
Social media memes are good, but let’s not stop there. Let’s get specific in our prayers and with our giving. And don’t be an impulse giver — sending support at the beginning and then dropping off. Remember, it will be decades before many of these houses are rebuilt and people can move forward.
Regardless of how you feel about the cause of the fires, let’s immediately decide to help the people who have lost so much and face an uphill battle in the future.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Christian media expert Phil Cooke and originally published by philcooke.com.
