As the choir and congregation sing the song, “Somebody Prayed for Me,” the lead singer will substitute “somebody” with a specific person, such as grandmother, the preacher, or my mother. I have been praying fervently and constantly for a dear loved one, asking God to be in her situation. Asking God to open doors for her. Asking God to open her eyes to see these doors when they open. Asking God to protect her. I was that somebody for her. Then God said, “What about you?” “Huh? Whaddya mean God?” “When will you pray for yourself?” In Me Prayer, I encouraged us to take time to pray for ourselves. God reminded me of that message.
The past decade has seen a huge emphasis on “self-care.” Simply stated, self-care encourages me to be mindful of my physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Am I taking care of myself holistically? I cannot help others if my well-being is compromised. Think of it this way: the flight attendant reminds the airline passengers to put on their own oxygen masks before assisting others; Mom cannot help her toddler if Mom has passed out.
God’s question, “What about you?”, reminded me that my spiritual well-being is an important aspect of my self-care. How can I pray effectively for someone else if my spiritual well-being is off-center? Who better to present my needs, my concerns, my fears to God than myself? Praying for myself facilitates my relationship with God. It strengthens the bond between us, because my self-prayer reflects my trust and belief that God hears, sees, and loves me. Even Jesus prayed for himself in various human conditions:
- Praise and Worship: John 17:1-5—Jesus glorified God; described the sacred relationship between them; and requested his own glorification.
- Supplication and Submission: Matthew 26:9—Jesus sought release for himself AND offered complete obedience to God.
- Anguish: Matthew 27:46—Jesus cried out to God.
So, to God’s question, I respond, “I will pray for myself as fervently, consistently, and ardently as I pray for others. And I won’t give up if I do not hear from you immediately or as I hoped.” Talking with God about my needs and hurts and desires and fears and aspirations is a component of holistic self-care. Self-care is not selfish care, but self-loving care. The next time you sing that song, substitute “I” for “somebody.” Pray for yourself.
Reflection: Have you prayed for yourself? What situation do you need to bring before God’s throne?
So true…
I so wish we still had the Faith Men’s choir. I could just hear them changing the words of this song and taking us to another level. I will say that I will sing/hear this song differently and use it as a reminder to pray for me! Thank you.
Amen! Thank you for the reminder.
As usual, First Niece, your thoughts are always an eye-opener or a reminder for me. Thank you for this one, as my prayers have been many in the last year. Thank you so much, Sabrina.
I have taken a little different direct with this perception
I now take trips and enjoy life showing children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews what 38 years of perseverance and sacrifice can allow you to do. Doing this vice just sitting back and waiting for them to ask that their lives be made easier and more convenient. Yes by all means be a conduit of assistance in an emergency but better still teach them that perseverance and patience pays off in the long run.
Now back to your eloquent point, I ask God for me not to feel selfish about doing things in this manner. I am putting on my oxygen mask now.