by Marilynn Chadwick
"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV).
Triggered. That’s what happens when my normal train of thought is interrupted with a sudden reminder to pray for someone. I’m prompted to intercede and offer a quick prayer for them. That’s why I have all kinds of prayer triggers that nudge me to pray for friends, family, and beyond. Prayer triggers take my prayer life out of the prayer closet and into the world.
I adopted "bunnies" as a prayer trigger many years ago when I was going through a long battle with infertility. Friends started to pray for me when they saw bunnies. They even began to send bunnies to encourage me. Then, still more bunnies to celebrate after we had our three children. Our kids once counted about a hundred bunnies—subtle and not-so-subtle scattered around our home. Figurines, framed prints, on fabric or pottery. You get the point!
Another prayer trigger for one child is a dolphin. Deer (and we have lots roaming through our yard) nudge me to pray for my husband. A friend has clouds as her trigger. Hummingbirds remind me of our oldest granddaughter. I have prayer triggers for all my family members and many friends. For places and people I’ve never met. I’ve even begun praying for several Israeli hostages by name. Imagine my joy as I’ve seen three among those who have been released.
With prayer triggers woven throughout my days, I find I pray more. I’m continually on the lookout for answers. With more answers comes more prayer—and the flywheel of prayer starts turning. Prayer triggers have helped me grasp what Paul meant when he said, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
I believe prayer works, or rather, God works in response to prayer. But I’ve discovered that by finding a few practical tips—like prayer triggers—I’m more alert and watchful to what God is doing in the world around me. No more sleepwalking through life!
It's a broken world out there. God has need of praying saints like never before. If we believe our prayers make a difference, then how can we not pray?
“In the morning...I will offer my prayer to you and watch expectantly for Your answer” (Psalm 5:3 VOICE).