I don’t think you have to tell someone you are praying for them (wishing them blessings or whatever you want to call it) for it to matter. It will matter to you that you have opened your eyes a little wider, been more aware of what is going on with all of humanity around you.
If I choose to tell – it’s just about like this always. I don’t want to. Like diving headfirst into a chilly creek – one just like the Econfina Springs in Florida in my teenage days. Fact was: No matter how hot the August day, or how many screaming, laughing friends with me, I just didn’t want to jump in that water. And the fact is: I still don’t want to jump into the water of someone’s life even if I am basically only brushing the sleeve of their existence. I do it anyway. I just jump in.
I ask names because I think they are important although I’ve also quickly told people that they didn’t have to tell me their name at all.
And then I say a few words about their uniquely standing out to me and that I would be saying prayers for them before I went to sleep. (I think this negates them thinking I’m going to embarrass them in public.) Occasionally, I ask if they have anything special they need and many, many times they say – Yes. Always – they smile.
There’s nothing safe about the telling. Or about this life. Every person you meet, embrace, speak to or silently pass with a reverent blessing will be as individualistic as you are. And so will your ensuing experiences.
But if all your prayers for strangers are whispered in silence at the end of a long day filled with life, lamentations, and love, then carry on.
We all need each other in the best way.
