Flash Prayers

Bishop Charles Allen in his book All Things are Possible Through Prayer recommends a kind of prayer called “flash prayers”--short petitions offered throughout the day on behalf of people we do not know. 

Allen wrote of taking the bus to and from work and deliberately sitting at the back, watching the passengers in front of him.  He would pray for them, though he did not know them. Often he would see them startle, as if some invisible hand had touched them. He never knew the effect of those prayers, but he realized the effect it had on himself. It made him more aware of the needs of others, and more sensitive to his responsibility to pray for the lost. 

These flash prayers come in many different kinds

ü  Praise prayers--whenever we see something that points to God’s love, grace or majesty.  (Psalm 8:1)

ü  Thanks-- in all things, such as before meals, for safe trips, and for special blessings.  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

ü  Confession--immediately any sin or turn over to God any temptation we might have.  (1 John 1:9, Matthew 6: 12-13)

ü  For people--whenever we think about them.  (Ephesians 6:18)

Flash prayers are a habit we have to cultivate if we want a continual walk with God.  It is what he Bible means when it says “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Lord, let me see every experience, every encounter, every opportunity of life be an opportunity for coming to know You better in praise, thanksgiving, confession, and petition, in Jesus’ name, Amen.