My Uber driver Duke was turning the corner into my neighborhood. We’d spent the drive from DFW Airport talking about life and connecting over our similarly aged children. Over the course of the ride, Duke had shared about his life’s experiences with me: growing up in Afghanistan, working as journalist supporting the US backed government, and then fleeing to the US as a refugee and his struggles since coming to the US. 

As my neighborhood drew near, I had a gut feeling that I needed to pray for Duke. I’m still learning to distinguish when it’s the Holy Spirit at work in me, but I decided to put myself out there just in case this was the Holy Spirit leading me forward in mission. I’d rather swing and miss than strike out by not trying. 

“Duke. I’m a follower of Jesus, and I like to pray for people. Would it be alright if I prayed for you right now?” 

Duke enthusiastically agreed. He shared with me that he was a Muslim, and that as a Muslim he had a high respect for Jesus.  

I prayed out loud for Duke, for his family, for his future here and that God would bless him and care for him. 

I got out of the car and tipped him well, and that was that. I don’t know what has happened since in Duke’s life. We didn’t exchange contact information, and in the seemingly random assignment of Uber drivers in the metro, we have yet to meet again. 

We often underestimate the power of praying over other people as a means of showing the love and goodness of God. Whether you’re in an Uber, on a neighborhood walk, or in the break room at work, pay attention for the prompting of the Holy Spirit to pray for a person around you. Listen for the needs and concerns that others are expressing, and offer to pray out loud for the person you are with.  

Even within the church we rarely experience the uniquely powerful and relational act of being prayed over by someone else. Few people, including those outside the church, will object to being prayed over.

Praying out loud over another person is a pivotal way that we can recognize the presence of God at work in someone else’s life, and it is a powerfully tangible way to proclaim the Good News of Jesus over someone in a way they can accept and receive. 

Look for opportunities to pray over the people in your life. It may feel vulnerable and uncomfortable the first few times you do it, but very few people will reject your offer of prayer.