Specifically

I find these days that I am reading several blogs

where life events have become particularly hard on

the blog author.

It is amazing to me to find that I care so much about all

my bloggy friends even though I have known them

such a short time and have never met them in person.

I am sad for my friends who are struggling and they are

constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

That said, as I was leaving a comment on one of these

blogs the other day, I noticed the comment above mine said

something that weighed heavily on me all weekend.

"Let me know specifically what to pray for."

(emphasis mine)

At first I couldn't really put my finger on exactly what

it was about that statement that bothered me, but after

thinking about it and the blog it was left on, I realized

what my issue was.

The author of this particular blog has given no details

of the struggle she is going through in her life right now.

She has just let us know, specifically, that these are very

dark, hard times for her.

I don't think anyone should have to disclose anymore

information than that for us to be able to pray for them.

We know she is hurting, we know she is in need, and that

is all we need to know, specifically.

We serve a wonderful God who loves all His creation

and when we pray to Him on someone elses behalf,

He knows exactly what they need. Specifically.

Sometimes I think we use the excuse of praying for

someone to try and get more details than they are

willing or ready to share.

As in, "If you'll let me know what's going on, specifically,

I'll know more specifically what to pray for."

And I think, specifically, that it's the wrong way

to go about it.

Will you not pray for them if they don't let you in

on the specifics? And are you not putting God in a

tiny box?

Does any of that make sense or am I overreacting?

TTFN,