Have you ever just sat down somewhere and people watched? It’s amazing what you can observe from people coming and going into stores and buying things, pumping gas at the gas station, or running into the post office to drop off a letter. You may notice someone grabbing a quick bite to eat at a fast-food restaurant or two people conversing over a cup of coffee. Then, there are those who are standing in the parking lot reconnecting with an old friend. Sometimes, you may even get a quick glimpse of two people arguing in a store line or a homeless person on the corner asking for money.

What pours out of your heart and into your mind as you watch the people around you – praise-worthy or judgmental thoughts? Are you quick to notice the gentleman’s wrinkled button-up shirt, assuming he is sloppy instead of knowing he is homeless and going to a job interview? Is your first thought to shame the parent feeding their young child a happy meal for dinner, maybe not realizing they’re on the road traveling?

Truth be told, only God knows the full story of what is really going on in people’s lives. So next time you’re out and about, or maybe even people watching, take the perfect opportunity to say a quick prayer for someone who crosses your path. You may never fully know what is going on in a person’s life (health issues, financial need, depression, or even anger), but we can always come to the One who does know in prayer and supplication.

Let God use you to be a lifeline for someone today. You may not know them. They may not even know you are praying, but I can guarantee you that if they knew, they would surely appreciate it!