How One Word Can Change a Life

A few weeks ago, as we gathered in my home for our final small group Bible study, I looked around at the amazing women with whom I am blessed to share this sisterhood in Christ.   As part of our time together each week, we share prayer requests so that we can pray specifically for each other.  Since we are together every week, and each woman tends to settle into the same comfortable spot in my home, it’s easy to envision the face of each sister as we pray for each other on our own.

As a tight group of ten, we have grown very close talking through the questions, sharing our intimate prayers, and comforting each other with hugs and encouragement.  When the study is over for the summer, there is a hole, a longing, that is left when we are separated.  

In my early years of Bible study, I was led by a dear friend who prompted us to share a one-word prayer as we parted for the summer.  What a simple, but effective way to stay connected and remember one another during the summer break.  As the lovely face of one I hold dear comes to mind throughout the day, it’s easy to associate the one word she chose, which I recall and lift her up in prayer. So, although we are not physically together for a few months, we can remain close in spirit.

Our study for the year has sadly come to an end, but before we parted, we each shared one word that will be the focus of our prayers for each other until we gather again.  

Here are a few examples that may help you decide what word you would like to become your prayer focus for the summer with your Bible Study group, or some close friends:

If you want to spend more time reading the Bible, ask for focus or discipline.

If you are anxious, ask for peace, or calm, or contentment.

If you need to recenter your scattered thoughts, ask for presence (of God) or stillness. 

If you are experiencing a trial, ask for courage, or perseverance, or hope.

If you are doubting, ask for discernment, or obedience, or trust.

If you are insecure, ask for (His) love or comfort.

If you are angry, ask to feel forgiveness, or to give grace, or patience.

If you are weak, ask for (His) power or strength. 

If God has answered a prayer in ways that are beyond anything you can imagine, offer gratitude or joy.

Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing.” This One Word exercise provides an easy way to remember what, and how, to pray for each other.

Blessings for your summer. 

Until we are together again,

Kristin