I think there is a big misconception about the phrase, “I prayed for you, just because.” Often, the first four words of this phrase are said when someone is sick or lost. Maybe you prayed for them because they just lost their grandmother to cancer, or because their job has them frazzled. Usually, we don’t think to pray for someone when life is going smooth for them. But why not? Sometimes, we aren’t aware of their personal situation. But also, everyone could use prayer for the hard times coming. They could use prayer to help them appreciate the good times. Blessings come in every shape and form.
When someone says, “I prayed for you, just because,” they aren’t saying it as if you are sick or need rescuing, but instead, they use it as a gesture of their love. Frequently, our initial instinct is to be defensive and ask, “Why do you think I need prayer??” Life is good, so we don’t think of ourselves as needing help from God. We hate to see ourselves as powerless. The truth is, we should praise God rain or shine because we will always need his guidance and blessings. Rather than viewing this phrase as an attack on our integrity, our hearts should be warmed by the kind gesture being offered.
There is so much beauty in “just because” prayer. “Just because” prayer means that person was thinking of you throughout their day. It means they believe in blessings, and they think you deserve them all. It is genuine kindness from the bottom of someone’s heart. It is incredibly beautiful when someone takes time out of their day to say, “Lord, I pray that you send them love and blessings throughout their day, no matter where they are.” This gesture is one of the purest forms of love that ever could be demonstrated. It is like buying candy while you’re at the gas station, then bringing it out to the person in the car. They didn’t ask for it. They aren’t hungry. But everyone loves candy at just about any time, and it was sweet of the other person to think of you. They had no reasoning to buy the candy, other than they wanted to see you smile. “Just because” prayer works the exact same way. How great is it that we can love someone so deeply throughout Christ, who demonstrates the ultimate love?
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
