“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26, NIV).

Given my natural inclination toward self-serving apathy, I have long committed to one act of undeserved kindness each week toward someone outside of my normal work, church and family responsibilities. It’s a small goal for most, but important for me. Saturday came this week without that happening. God led me this morning to pray for that opportunity. Early this afternoon I received a call. A young man I helped in the past was in great need. I was able to provide for him much needed medicine and arrange to help him with transportation to help him get his truck fixed.

I should not be surprised, but I am—repeatedly, pleasantly so—when I pray to God for His work to happen through me—and He answers. Sometimes it seems that even the prayer I lift up has come from Him.

I have a vivid recollection of a dinner in Albania with the Rector and Dean of their medical university, neither a Christian. There came to me an overwhelming sense that I needed to pray for God to open the conversation where we could share Christ. I lifted that prayer as we shared a secular conversation, and then one of them opened the subject of our Christian faith allowing us to share fully.

I well remember a fellow in oncology who had lost her father. I had been praying for a chance to share my faith with her. Then on a stairwell headed to review a CT scan, I felt this prayer well up inside for God to open the way. On the second floor landing, she stopped me and said, “Dr. Weir, are there times in your life where you feel a real desire for the spiritual?”

God not only provides the opportunity to speak and serve, but He also provides the words to speak, the actions to take and even the prayer for that opportunity at that moment. Our job is to abide in Him and be ready.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13, NIV).

Dear God,

All good work and all good witness comes from you. Keep me ready. Keep me willing when you call.

Amen