"I will pray for you"

I use this phrase often. In fact, I probably used it even this morning.

This line can be:a) A lieb) A great opportunity to be lazy especially if you can do more but just don’t (won’t?)

I find that many of us are much happier to talk rather than act, which requires more time, patience and overall-more love..but we are Christians so why do something when we can pray?

Your friend Julius has been out of a job for over a year. You know he has tried everything including odd jobs. When you meet up one Sunday, it comes up that his rent is due and he neither has the money to pay nor a place to move into as he figures things out. Your well thought out response? “I will pray for you bro.”Now, I know quite well that we all have 8,543 daily issues to deal with and you can’t go around ‘saving’ everyone. BUTI also know that there is a lot more you can do if you just put in a little (more) effort.For Julius? Uhm, have you sent him links for job opportunities within his area of expertise? Have you brought him up in conversation when someone you know says they are hiring? When you hear about an opening, do you call him up to ask if can do some administration work even if his experience is in social work?Did you ever consider doing some grocery shopping for him after your salary hit the account?

Many of us have been conditioned to act ‘macho’ even in the face of trials so Julius may never come outright and ask for money but you know he needs it..and some things he can’t even say out loud to anyone. Yes, like how he needs a deoderant or a new shirt (or 2) for those interviews he has almost weekly.Money changing hands is an issue? Say no more.Pro tip: You can send mobile money or casually ask for bank account details on a random day and make a deposit; even anonymously if you like.

It is not (only) about money.

Your parent/sibling/friend/colleague has issues you can’t solve but you can be there.Sometimes knowing they aren’t alone is what is most important.

Anne’s mum gets a stroke and you feel helpless. You can pray and ALSO visit, spend the night so she has company. Bring them a change of clothes or switch up the menu from the <probably> dull hospital food…Movies for the long days and nights. Call up to check in from time to time even if you are busy.You get the drift.

Bible verses are great, as are prayers but if we can’t step up to actually be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, in need and in DEED we are simply not doing enough.