Granola Bar Prayers

The Plan

Last week I was grocery shopping with my two youngest children. I had my list. My mission and goal were clear. I was to get what I needed and complete this task before either one of the children became tired of the outing.

Granola Bars

Our list took us to the granola bar aisle. There were two men re-stocking the shelves. I overheard their conversation. I did not mean to listen in. I was not intentionally eavesdropping. I was not in search of a diversion. I had no intentions of entering the discussion.Perhaps it was the words "verse" and "Bible" that snapped my attention from my list and my mission to their discussion. I heard the one say to the other, "That quote is a verse from the Bible." My thoughts and heart were immediately alert and engaged.

The Conversation

I heard that same man ask, "Do you know what that verse is implying?" The second man simply replied "No". The response from the first man came, "To follow the way of the world is easy, but to follow the way of God is hard."

I couldn't help it! My heart was stirred. I assessed the situation and realized that one co-worker was sharing his faith with the other as they were stocking shelves. I wanted to give encouragement and affirmation of the words I had just heard.

Becoming Involved

I looked at the men as I put the granola bars into my cart, smiled and said, "Hey, I appreciate the conversation you are having. I'm right there with you." They returned the smiles and I walked away.

A few moments later I realized I didn't get the number of granola bars that were on my list. I returned to pick up my one more box and only one of the men remained.
He recognized me from our previous encounter. He looked at me and said, "If you think of it, would you pray for me? My name is Mark."

"Is there something specific I can pray about for you Mark?" I asked. He replied, "My marriage."

That was it. That was all I needed. I did not require details. God knew. I did not ask for additional information. It was not mine to have.

I assured him I would pray. I immediately wrote his name and his request on my list so I wouldn't forget. He saw me write it. He thanked me. We left.

Blessings Gained

Will I ever see him again here on earth? I doubt it. Does that mean our encounter was for nothing? No.

I already recognize blessings that have happened from this experience.

* I was able affirm the man boldly sharing his faith.

* I was able to encourage the man seeking by agreeing to pray for him.

* I was able to use it as a teaching moment with my daughter. We talked about caring for others. We talked about not being ashamed or afraid to say that we believe in God. We talked about the power of prayer. We talked about a God that sees, knows and hears all things.

As we drove away from the store, we talked to our God about a man named Mark. We prayed for him as a family that night in our family devotions.

He has come to mind often since that encounter. When he does, I say a prayer for him. I say a prayer for his wife. I say a prayer for their marriage. I say a prayer for his co-worker that is sharing personally with him.I am quite sure that every time I eat a granola bar for some time to come, I will be reminded to pray for a man named Mark.

I Wonder

How often have I missed opportunities such as this? When I do, is it because I am in a hurry? Am I embarrassed? Am I concerned about what others might think?

Have you ever found common ground in your faith with complete strangers? What did you do?