Most of my best thoughts come when I am driving by myself. For some people, it’s when they are in the shower. I’ve often wondered why that is? I believe the reason is that when you are doing something that takes all your attention – when you cannot do anything else that will require your hands (like phones, computers etc.) – the only thing you can use is your mind.

As I was driving the other day, I was thinking about the word “shaper.” What exactly does it means to be a “shaper?” Well, believe it or not, the definition of shaper, is a person or thing that shapes. In either case, a tool is necessary.

As World Shapers, prayer is our tool and it is the Holy Spirit that shapes our prayers.

I definitely learn a lot from the Holy Spirit when I am with the children. They make me pause and ask the Holy Spirit to give me wisdom to help shape the answers/directions God wants me to give them.

For instance, the other day Guilyan, my Grandson, came to me with this simple request.

“Vovi- We need to pray for E.”

E, is Gyilyan’s friend. His older brother bullies him by hitting him and not letting him play. His brother has been so mean to him that E is afraid of everything. E’s Mom and Dad think it’s funny and always cheer on the older brother saying that E is weak and deserves it.

So, in my mind, I prayed the Holy Spirit would shape my thoughts and give Guilyan and me the right prayer strategy for this situation.

This is what I got.

First: Pray for the parents – that they would learn how to be better parents and that they would see Jesus in E.

Second: Pray for the older brother to receive forgiveness – that he will leave E alone and love him instead of hate him.

Third: Pray for E to know Jesus and have the strength to cope with situations such as these. Pray E will learn that this kind of strength comes only from God and to rely on Jesus with all his heart so his brother will leave him alone.

Fourth: And, most of all, for E to forgive his brother and his parents..

After sharing all that with Guilyan, we prayed together for E and his family and went back to what we were each doing.

As I went to my room, another thought came to my mind. As I was sharing the guidance given to me by the Holy Spirit, Guilyan was also learning that shaping prayer with God’s wisdom is important. God’s way ensures that we pray by the Spirit and not by our human emotions. In that way, we do not harbor any angry feelings towards the person who needs our prayers.

Guilyan and I invite you to say a prayer with us for E and his family. I’m sure the Holy Spirit will help shape your prayers just right!

Sonia, WSC Ambassador