Don't just say it.

I’m typing it. I’m speaking it. I’m thinking it.

“I’m praying for you.”

“I’ll pray for them.”

“I should pray.”

Saying I'll pray sometimes tricks me into thinking I've actually prayed. Am I the only one?

I have decided that I'm going to pray more than ever before. Are you with me?

Here are some things I suggest you do if you want to do the same:

• Before or after you text, “I’m praying” stop and actually pray.

• Write down some names of people or places that are on your mind. Then say each one out loud and follow it up with, God bless or protect or heal or provide for _________________.

• Call a friend and leave a prayer on their voicemail. (Tell them they don’t have to call you back.)

• Combine your prayer with an everyday action.

• Every time I fold the clothes, I will pray for my family.

• Every time I wash the dishes, I will pray for people that don’t have food.

• Every time I take a shower, I will pray for people that don’t have running water.

• Every time I scroll through Facebook or Instagram I will pray for five of the friends I see.

• Write down the thing you’ve been worrying about the most. Pray, "God I give __________ to You. I trust You completely." (Then crumble the paper up and throw it in the trash.)

Don’t make it complicated. Your prayer doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be.

James said it best, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Your prayer can’t be quarantined, it can move mountains and travel across seas.

So, don’t just say it, pray it!