3 Arrow Prayers to Keep in Your Back Pocket

I was at the gym after just finding out we were pregnant with #4; this baby was a surprise, so I was feeling uneasy and anxious. My gym-friend came by to say hello and asked how I was doing. I told her the truth.

“We just found out we are pregnant with #4. We are happy, but honestly, I am also really scared. Will you pray for me?”

This friend is a special person. She is not like most people who say, “Of course! You’re in my prayers.” Nope. She stopped everything she was doing right there in the locker room and extended her hands over me while she prayed a beautiful prayer out loud for the whole world to hear. She finished by saying, “If I don’t pray over someone right when they ask, I always forget.”

Most people won’t do that. I have never done that. I am the one who says, “Yes! I will be praying for you!” And, not to toot my own horn, but I follow through. I used to forget. I used to tell people I would pray for them, and that was nothing more than a platitude. So, I had to come up with a better method.

I came up with three prayers that work in just about any situation where prayer is called for. I can quickly offer up these words for someone in need and do my merciful duty right on the spot. I mean, I can always pray more later, but at least I know I have put in a good word for that person already.

So, what are these three prayers?

Lord, have mercy.

Someone’s Facebook status is asking for prayers for her mom who just had a heart attack. A friend’s husband is being laid off. Another tragedy has taken place in the world. “Lord, have mercy.” This is a way for us to ask God to be kind and forgiving toward us and to help us in our time of need.

May perpetual light shine upon him.

Praying for the souls in purgatory is so important. They cannot pray for themselves. We need to do our duty to pray them into Heaven. Whenever I hear of a death (an acquaintance, friend of a friend, a celebrity, a world event), I offer up this prayer.

God is good!

And, it’s always important to thank God. When you or someone else is celebrating good news or an accomplishment or a blessing, let God know you recognize his goodness!

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Now, can we always pray this way? Is this type of arrow prayer* a great substitute for thoughtful time with the Lord? Um, no. But, when we say these three short prayers with sincerity, we can assure that God hears us, and he honors those prayers. We can never forget to pray for one another!

*quick prayers we shoot up to God in the midst of our day