"I'm praying for you."

Whether it be from the loss of a loved one, a personal ailment or hardship we are facing, I'm sure we have all heard these words at some point in our lives; some of us probably so many times that we have become accustomed to hearing them, and they have almost become mundane. It can start to feel like a broken record, one that you've just about stopped listening to entirely. I believe this problem arises when we fail to stop and think about what that statement really means.

So what does it mean?

Is it a mere phrase we have coined for times when we don't know what to say? Are they just empty words with no external meaning? Or is it something much deeper than that?

"I'm praying for you."

In translation, I am talking to God about you. I am using my time alone with Him to ask him for your safety, betterment and well being. Among the many things I could be asking for, I have placed you above them. When we come to the realization of what they really mean, there are no words more impactful.

So the next time someone tells you they are praying for you, I encourage you to stop and realize what they are truly saying; and when you do, never take such a thing for granted. This life was not meant to go through without the encouragement, love, and prayers from others, so do not deny yourself the privilege of having those around you who do. Do not allow yourself to take these words lightly or fail to understand the awesome power behind them, and remember to pray to God with thanksgiving for those who are praying for you.

"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Colossians 1:9