The coffee shop in the downtown square is a good place to pray. My small table towards the back of the shop gives me a perfect view of everyone who walks in for some warm, comforting coffee or sweet treat. A young man walks in and something about the way he stands catches my eye and tugs at my heart.

“Father, please reveal Yourself to this young man in the way He needs to see and hear from You. I ask for a divine encounter for him. You know what is on His mind and the choices that are before him. Please provide wisdom and peace in his decision making. Where he needs healing, please heal him. May He feel You close to him–protecting, guiding, and loving him. Please let him feel seen and known. I ask this in Your precious name, amen.”

Every Monday morning on my way to work with a non-profit food distribution center, I see the same unhoused man. He walks toward to park pushing the cart that contains his entire life. Each time I see him I feel such a need to pray for him.

“Father, please protect this man and his life that’s contained in his cart. You know every inch of him and all the things that led him to where he is today. Please change his circumstances according to Your will for him. Hold him close to Your heart, so he knows that he is loved, valued, seen, and safe. Where he needs Your healing touch, please heal him. I pray for provision and a safe place to sleep. Please send those who You call to be Your hands and feet to minister to Your son that you deeply love. In Your mighty name, amen.”

This beautiful Fall weather is perfect for a nice walk in the park. The leaves are turning, squirrels are out in abundance, birds are calling, and the air feels just right. The gravel path is strewn with fallen leaves and little pinecones that give a satisfying crunch underfoot.

Walking along the path, I see a young mom watching her 2 small children laughing and playing on the play structure. She seems content as she watches them running and playing, but her eyes look tired. I remember that look when my 2 kids were young.

“Father, give her strength and energy. Fill her cup with all that she needs to get through her day. Please remind her that she is a good mom, that You see her, that she’s doing the best she can, and that You’ve got her precious children in the palm of Your hand–safe, secure, deeply loved. I pray for moments of refreshing, peace, and uninterrupted time with You. May You put her on someone’s heart who can give her a break for a little bit and help where she needs it. Remove and rebuke the guilt that tries to invade her thoughts and her heart; it has no place there. Protect and shield her and her family. In Your compassionate name, amen.”

Everywhere you are and everywhere God leads you throughout your day is a good place to pray. Those encounters with another person who needs kindness, prayers, help, and a smile are not random coincidences. Everyone is special, beloved, and so precious to Him. Whether or not we agree with their lifestyle, their choices, who they love, or the way they talk, dress, or behave doesn’t matter. Our opinions on those things are of no consequence because Jesus LOVES them and died for them, just like He did for me and for you.

I believe that God strategically leads us to places, people, and circumstances as opportunities to be His hands, His feet, speak His words, and especially to pray. Divine appointments, divine opportunities, and divine encounters to partner with Him and love others like He does.

I often wonder who God asked to pray for me as I went about my day–shopping, walking, picking up kids from school, grabbing a coffee, sitting in the park holding back tears when life was overwhelming. I thank God for those who did. They didn’t know me, my background, my shortcomings, my sins, my life circumstances, or life choices, but someone, somewhere prayed for me and I am blessed that they did.