Years ago I was part of a weekly Bible study for women. I got to help facilitate one of the small groups with a dear friend and mentor. We would have some time for check-ins with the typical “how are you?” and “how can we pray for you?” but I quickly saw a pattern emerge. For the first question it seemed to stay surface level… “fine, good, etc.” For the prayer request, there was often a story attached, which meant more time sharing about the problem than praying to God about it. And most of the time the prayers were for extended family, not for the individuals themselves.
I hope my heart isn’t lost in the text – praying for family members is very important, but this wasn’t really the place for that. We wanted to go deeper but our time was limited and our group was large – plus we had a Bible study to discuss! My mentor reminded us of the oxygen masks on airplanes – how you must put yours on first before helping someone else with theirs.
Over time I created a pamphlet with two lists of “one words” – a list for how you’re doing, and a list of prayer requests. It allowed us to catch a glimpse of each person’s heart, of how they’re really doing, and we could all have a turn to share a personal prayer need. (Also, I could jot down everyone’s words quickly!)
I’m currently leading another Bible study, this time virtually, and I decided to revamp this helpful pamphlet. Each week we answer the questions:
- How are you – really? How’s your soul? Choose one word to describe where you’re at in life right now.
- How can we pray for YOU? What does your heart need? Choose one word to describe your personal prayer request.
You can choose a word not listed, whatever comes to mind! The list is meant to inspire and be a launching pad. You can also expand and share more than just one word for each question. Some people share more, some less. Either way, it’s crucial that we have people in our lives that we can go deeper with. Past the surface level, beyond the highlight reel.
So how are you – really? And what does your heart need from God? I want to invite you to find a quiet space, maybe turn on some worship music. Spend some time in His presence, searching your soul and tending to your heart. Feel free to comment below with a word or two for each question.
Finally, a little encouragement from my heart to yours ❤ You are not alone. God loves you so much; He sees you, He hears you, He knows you, and He cares about you. You matter, your feelings matter, your heart matters. Let me say it again: you matter.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
“God, I invite Your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on, and lead me back to Your glorious, everlasting way—the path that brings me back to You.” – Psalm 139:23-24 (TPT)
This week’s song suggestions:
- Have My Heart by Maverick City
- Here’s My Heart by I AM THEY (or Shane & Shane)
- How To Be Yours by Chris Renzema
My Race to Run 