Over the years I’ve prayed for a number of people who didn’t even know I was praying—people like:
- The family of a toddler with a brain tumor
- a tollbooth worker struggling to make ends meet*
- the young wife anxious to become a mother
No doubt you’ve also prayed in secret for strangers, unbeknownst to them.
Rarely do we receive updates concerning these people. But one day in heaven, we just may hear their miracle-stories. And won’t it be thrilling to know we played a part through the privilege of prayer?
Secret Prayers
Sara Hagerty in her book Unseen wrote about secret prayers, but has taken the practice to a whole new level—a level I aspire to. Sara silently prays for strangers she happens to see while going about her day:
- the man in a wheelchair, that he might experience God’s strength
- the woman with vacant eyes, that God would fill her needful heart
- the man running to his gate at the airport, that he would run with God
The anonymity of such petitions gives Sara warm satisfaction, and no doubt puts a smile on her face.
Might God smile also? I think so.
It’s occurred to me that we experience other kinds of secrets with our Heavenly Father, and they too make us smile together with him.
Consider:
Secret Deeds
- M. often wipes down the sink area in public restrooms and then washes her hands. It’s M.’s secret delight to provide this small blessing for the next person.
- For years Norma frequently walked for exercise along a busy street, picking up refuse with a trash-grabber, then stuffing it into a grocery sack. After covering about a mile on each side, Norma would smile with satisfaction at the pristine street before turning the corner toward home.
- My husband will often strike up a conversation with restaurant waiters or waitresses. If they’re not too busy he’ll share a bit about the difference God has made in our lives, how he’s provided for us in amazing ways. Then, before we leave, Steve puts a generous tip on the table. It makes us smile to imagine their looks of happy surprise at first glimpse of those bills. And we pray they see the goodness of God behind the gift and seek him for themselves.
Surely God smiles as well.
Secret Moments
One category would be those times when one of his wild creatures approaches in holy proximity:
- The hummingbirds who hover close enough to touch as if to say, “Thank you for the flower buffet in the deck planter!”
- The doe that stood at the bottom of the deck stairs one morning when I exited the kitchen door. I froze; she froze. We stared at one another for long moments before she gracefully sauntered into the trees.
- The red admiral butterfly that rested on my knee one afternoon, allowing me to marvel at his colorations, the wingtip scallops and tiny stripes on his antennae.
I can’t help but smile in delight at God’s creativity, artistry, and workmanship—especially when observed up close and personal. And while reveling in such exceptional moments, I like to think he smiles too.
Secret Blessings
- Our youngest granddaughter recently climbed into my lap and nestled for a minute or so—unusual for a child always on the go. You grandparents out there know the special pleasure of each snuggle!
- Frequently over the years God has used song-lyrics to encourage me. On occasion I’m overcome by happy tears while experiencing his tender care through music.
- My husband and I basked together under a dazzling full moon the night of my birthday. While gazing at its soft glow, I sensed afresh the soft glow of God’s love, joy, and peace in my spirit.
Moments like these cause smiles of gratitude as our Heavenly Father expresses his personalized goodness. And I’m convinced God smiles with us.
Finally, there’s one more pleasure not to be missed: Sharing secrets and smiles with our Lord fosters intimacy and draws us closer to him. Our challenge is not to miss them.
What secret and smile have you enjoyed recently with your Heavenly Father? Please share in the comment section below!
*You can read the full story at: https://nancyaruegg.com/2017/10/19/tollbooth-encounter/.
Photo credits: http://www.rawpixels.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.commons.wikipedia.org.
From the Inside Out 