All Who Pass By

On my morning walks, I use the Jesus prayer for intercessions, saying “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on…” After praying for my family and Jeff’s family, I pray for friends and then the Bishop and her Cabinet. When I pray for Christ Crossman, I begin with “all who are members, all who call this home, all who worship with us, all who come to our doors and all who pass by” before moving on to individuals, and that we may be a part of what God wants to bless here.

The part about “all who pass by” has come to be really significant for me. There’s a lot of traffic on N Washington St and on Columbia St, especially during my walks in the morning commute hours. Normally, I walk along N Washington for almost ¼ mile. Without being intrusive, I notice lots of the folks who drive by. Some are talking on their phones, some let other drivers in, some seem oblivious to their surroundings and fellow drivers, but all are children of God. I don’t know what their religious perspectives are and while I would love for them to know about the Good News of Jesus Christ, my prayers are primarily for God’s mercy for them, and for the best that God has possible for them.

For me, this is the beginning of evangelism towards them. How can I share Christ’s love for them unless I truly want God’s best for them regardless of what that might be? I am far too limited in my scope of vision to know what is best for their lives. As I pray for them, that prayer changes me--my attitude and my actions towards them. How can I be irritated and annoyed or even angry with them when I want God’s best, God’s mercy for them?

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on all who pass by.”