Some of the people that I support with prayer are those whom I also support financially. One of the joys of having a regular income is being able to donate to those who depend upon the resources of others for the ministry that they are doing. When I am able to make my regular monthly donation, I feel like I have a part in the good work that they are doing. That is why I am so grateful when they keep me up-to-date on their activities. Just today, in the mail, I received the monthly newsletter of the person whose name prompted this blog. As well as filling me in on her activities, she also lists particular prayer requests that she has and gives the dates and different activities in which she is involved. These all enable me to pray more intelligently for her and for her ministry.
My daughter is expecting her first baby, our first grandchild. Since she had some difficulty about conception, I have been praying daily for Elizabeth and for the baby she is carrying. I have wanted a grandchild for a long time and been envious of my friends, as I have watched their joy in sharing in the lives of their children’s children. Now I am so exciting about this new addition coming into our family. I know it is going to create a significant change in the life of our daughter and her husband, and I know that they are going to discover of depth of love that they never could have imagined exists, as this little one enters their lives. For that reason, I feel that every day I need to pray for both the parents and the child who is growing within the body of daughter. Already, her approaching responsibilities as a mother have been drawing Elizabeth and I closer to each other. As I pray for the child and the pregnancy, I am aware that I need prayer for myself as well, that I will have wisdom not to try to impose what I have learned about parenting on my daughter and son-in-law, unless they ask my advice. I need to let her learn the best way to do things herself. The world in which she will be raising her children is not the world in which I raised mine. Nor did I do everything right. I am sure that there will be things that I can learn from her, if I am willing. 
I pray for another rather unique group of people. A Christian organization in our city, twice each year sends some of the workers to the spring and fall psychic fairs that take place here. They do not go to dabble in the occult. What they do is meet with people to present another alternative. The Truth they offer is what many people are looking for. With the concern expressed in listening to people and praying for them, at each fair, a number of people decide to become Christians. Along with meeting the visitors to the psychic fair, praying with them and if they are willing, introducing them to Christ, the organization also prepares a list of the first names and a little information about each one. This they send out to the organization’s prayer supporters. When I receive the names of the individuals I begin to pray through the list focusing on one name every day. I think this kind of prayer support is crucial for those who are often brand new to the faith. The organization is also faithful in following up by personal contact with these new believers, if they agree, so it is not just a one shot deal. Again, I find great joy in participating in a ministry that I might not feel particularly suited to do myself, but can support by my prayers. 
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