Praying ahead of time

"Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the holy ones and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: grace to you and peace from God our Father." Col. 1:1-2

Yesterday, I went to the doctor's office and had to get blood drawn. As I waited for the phlebotomist to get started, I listened to her share a story about a difficult patient; a woman who really tempted her to anger and frustration. But she was able to remain calm in that tricky situation.

Have you ever walked into work and been greeted by an annoyed coworker? Cooked dinner for your spouse and didn't receive a thank you? Hesitated at a stop sign and received a nasty honk from the man behind you?

Years ago, I began praying for those individuals I may encounter throughout the day. My prayer is simple: Lord, please translate and interpret for every situation I meet today. I also ask my guardian angel to encounter the guardian angels of those I am to meet each moment before I arrive.

When I read this greeting from Paul today to his brothers and sisters in Colossae, I was reminded of why I pray for others before I even meet them: I want God to be present in all of my affairs, even in the simplest of moments. Everyday, we are faced with opportunities to encourage or to discourage, to bring hope or to bring despair, to provide love or to provide indifference.

Our Father wants to be involved in each moment of your day; today, I pray that St. Paul's words inspire your heart to ask God to be present in every encounter you experience.