“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you…” 1 Samuel 12:23

A Tale of Two Cacti

In a sunny west-facing window, I have two small pots, each containing a different type of cactus. Once upon a time they were both thriving, each day turning their faces toward the sun, thirstily drinking the little swallows of water I gave them whenever they seemed dry.

Eventually, one of the cactus plants began to die. Over time, it dropped each little arm until finally none were left. I left the last little arm lying on top of the sandy soil in its pot—maybe I was hoping it would come back to life, or would send out a root and start growing again. That one arm maintained some semblance of life for a long time; its gray-green color and puffed-out body appeared to be still alive. But when it began to shrivel and turn brown, I accepted that it was completely dead.

I did not throw it away, though it now it is wrinkled. I left that dead, puckered cactus next to the one that still lives and thrives in its pot. This raises questions, of course. Why would someone leave a dead cactus in a pot next to a beautiful, growing, living one?

I leave them as they are because it daily reminds me to pray for the women I know, and all the women of our church. It reminds me that some of us are spiritually alive, and some are not. Some of us are drinking the fresh water of God’s Word, and some are not. Some of us are growing, and some are not. Some of us have the look of vitality and freshness, and some do not. And some who may look alive are actually dying on the inside, whether emotionally or spiritually.

If you are vital and growing, with fresh faith, reading God’s Word and praying to prepare yourself to meet the day’s challenges and trials, being thirsty for the refreshing of the presence of the Lord—I pray that you continue to be strong in the Lord, that your faith would not fail, that your roots grow deep, that you use the gifts God has given, that you love well, and that you walk in His ways and will.

If you are dying inside, I pray that He would transform you, make you alive again by His Spirit moving in you. I pray that He reminds you of the things you once knew but have forgotten. I pray that He creates in you a desire for His Word again, and that you will be empowered to focus on Him instead of the turmoil surrounding you. I pray that you will look to Him for answers and peace and comfort, and that you fully realize new life will be found in Him alone.

“Father, hear my heartfelt prayers for the women of Your Church. Make us strong and alive, that we may share Your strength and life with others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”