Sit With the Prayer Warriors …

How many times have you sat in a coffee shop or restaurant and just listened to the conversations? For me as a writer, it’s a regular pastime. I learn the rhythm of speaking, watch nonverbal interplay, hear what’s not being said by the vocal tone. And all of that improves my dialogue writing.

One day I was in Panera writing and a group of ladies a few tables over began discussing a topic. A few words here and there pulled me out of my contemplation of my current project’s setting. Words like “prayer” and “King David” and “Psalm”. It was obviously a small group Bible study. As a Christian, my heart warmed and I smiled, but went back to my work. But a few minutes later, the conversation changed. I heard words like “concerned” and “doctor” and “waiting to hear.” Study had moved to prayer requests.

And then the women joined hands, bowed their heads, and prayed. I have no memory of what they said, only the sensation that the atmosphere at their table had changed. As I bowed my head and joined their prayers, the atmosphere in our local Panera continued to change.

Not everyone felt it. The room didn’t break out in a prayer or praise revival. But my heart did. Where I was feeling at sea, I now felt buoyed. Where I felt weak, I was now empowered.

So, yes. Hang out with the prayer warriors. Their conversations are different and you will be too.