Prayer Week 14: Triggers

Triggers; those things that bring back a memory with no warning. They can be either good or bad, but are always a surprise. It can be anything from a song to a smell, a special place to a phrase or color. A trigger really can be anything, but is usually small and insignificant in itself, and always sudden.

 

Philippians 1:3-4 New American Standard Bible 1995

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,

Mark 14:72 New American Standard Bible 1995

Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he began to weep.

Numbers 15:39-40 New American Standard Bible 1995

It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot, so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God.

 

Triggers are often unpleasant, bringing to mind traumatic events and pain, but they can also be useful. They can remind us of good times and people we love. Triggers can even be helpful when used intentionally. We can use them as ways to remember something important, like tying a string around one’s finger. I typically write a letter on the back of my hand to help me remember to do something or talk to someone when church is over.

 

This week, pick specific triggers to help you remember to pray for others. Pick a trigger for each person. It can be a color, an item, a phrase, and it can be for anyone; friend, family or enemy. Use those reminders to trigger you to pray for them throughout the day. It can be a prayer as simple as “Jesus,” the Spirit knows what they need. This can be useful, not only in remembering to pray, but also in healing your heart. Use this not only for those you like, but also those you need to forgive. When you remember them, instead of remembering past pain, pray for God to heal you and help you forgive, but also for Him to bless them.

 Prayer points taken from Praying Through Adversity by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.