Don’t Say You’ll Pray For Me

I’ve been convicted about empty statements. These are things I say to make a conversation a little more comfortable in the moment. But do I really mean what I’m saying?

Or empty statements can be little promises I allude to that give a needed lift to someone. But without a plan to actually keep that promise, do I really intend to keep it?

It’s not that these statements are wrong or bad or ill-intentioned. But they are empty at best and potentially hurtful at worst. People in my life deserve better than that.

I want to be a woman who exemplifies God’s Word by keeping my word.



The Bible is clear that our words matter. Our words carry weight. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Our words can be gifts.

But if we say things that have no follow-through, it can be hurtful. It’s like holding out a gift but refusing to give it.

Here are three of those empty statements I want to stop saying if I don’t have a plan for follow-through:

1. I’m praying for you.

Obviously, I do want to pray for people. And sometimes when I say this, I really have great follow-through. But sometimes I forget.

A great intention doesn’t make for a great prayer.

So, I need to pray for that person right then and there or I need to keep a journal in my purse to write down prayer requests.

2. Let’s get together sometime.

Either I need to pull out my calendar and schedule time with someone or be honest about my current time constraints. The people-pleaser in me struggles with this.

But I know when people say this to me without any follow-through, it hurts. While I can’t change it being done to me, I can make a heart policy that I won’t do this to others.

3. I’m good, how are you?

Understandably, sometimes this is the right, polite statement to say when I’m just quickly greeting someone. But I will also say this to others with whom I really should be more open and honest.

I can be reluctant sometimes to even let close friends in to the needs I have bubbling below my “I’m good” statements.

If I will be more brave with opening up, it will give my friends permission to do the same.

So, there they are. My empty statements and my convictions to do a better job of saying what I mean and meaning what I say.

What about you? Do any of these resonate with you? Is there one you want to commit to working on this weekend? Let’s chat about this in the comments below.
 http://lysaterkeurst.com/2014/01/dont-say-youll-pray-for-me/