Just a short note today, because it is, after all, the week before Christmas and our poor postal carrier had to make three rounds the other day carrying Christmas packages from Harry and David and Figis and such, singing “hohoho” as he went. It reminded me I hadn’t given him his Christmas envelope this year. And it reminded me I hadn’t purchased any gifts this year, that I’ve sent no cards, no food, nothing. For us, this is not a year for that, so we’re having to bow out.

I have, however, discovered something I’m sure everyone in the Christian realm already knew–no matter what we can or cannot do for others at Christmas, I can pray for that jolly postal carrier who works long hours and smiles when I know he’s tired. Every time I receive mail, I can pray for him on his route. Getting the mail is a good reminder. That still doesn’t mean I’m forgetting his Christmas envelope. No way. He earns more than he ever gets.

I have a lot of friends online, and I email them a lot. When they email requests for prayer, I pray immediately so I won’t forget, but then after that I forget. So when they do send a request, I ask them to please update me so I can pray again. The same goes for those who ask me in person for prayer–I pray right then, because as a pastor’s wife once told me, if I promise to pray and then wait until later and forget, I’ve lied in the presence of God. This helps me to ask often for prayer, because we need those prayers so very much, especially during this season when it seems emotions can go low and money matters even lower for some of us, and memories aren’t always the best.

I have a list of prayer requests above the kitchen sink so that when I’m standing there looking for something to read while I’m working (doesn’t everyone do that?) I can pray for those on the list. Something else that helps me to remember to pray is the Holy Spirit. Our pastor promises that as the Spirit brings remembrance, he would pray for those who asked.

So don’t just request prayer one time and forget to update those who pray for you. If I love you enough to pray for you, I love you enough to want an update, but many of us often have so many friends it’s difficult to keep all those needs and requests lined up with the particular friend. Update often, don’t forget to as for prayer over and over, because those who pray for your are also blessed with the praying.

Merry Christmas from Hannah Alexander