PRAYING IN HOPE

Today's reading: Philemon

"Please keep a guest room ready for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return soon." Philemon verse 22

Funny truth: I cannot read this verse without my mind going to the Motel 6 radio ad starring Chris Bodet. His closing remarks for those ads always stated, We'll leave the light on for you.

I think that's what Paul is asking Philemon to do for him.

Keeping a guest room ready was a mental picture for Paul, while he was in prison for preaching. But it was also a great task to give to Philemon, to put feet to his prayers.

Maybe we should be doing the same with our prayers.

Leaving the light on for a prodigal.

A seat open beside us in the pew.

Purchase those gifts.

Set place settings at the table.

Planning on the circle being unbroken when we get to heaven.

Just some ideas of putting in action what we are praying for.

Because if we're not praying in hope, believing our prayers are heard, coming alongside God in His will in each of our prayers, then why are we praying in the first place?