So I was thinking about praying for Clay. And I was also thinking about precisely what I want to say when I chat with God about this whole thing before I start the actual praying part. You see, I don't just go to the creator and ask for stuff. We chat a lot, too. I offer suggestions, let Him know how I feel about stuff, work stuff out. We're tight like that.

Well anyway, I was thinking about our next discusion regarding Clay and God popped in my head with something that He was wondering. "With all this praying going on for Clay" he said, "how many prayers have you spared for John Paulus?"

Whoah. I hadn't thought about that.

He then went on to remind me about what Jesus said. (I love the relationship God and Jesus have with each other. So Deep! So Mysterious! Father and Son but like twins, too. Did you ever notice how they finish each other's sentences? But, I digress. Sorry, World's longest parenthetical phrase.)

Anyway, where was I. Right! What Jesus said. He said this: Luke 6:27-29 27 "But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also;

So there you have it. If I wanted to get technical I could point out to God that JP didn't do anything to me, per se. But that's a weasly thing to say because he did do something nasty to someone I love (Clay) so I'm still feeling the hurt.

Besides, when I get all stiff-necked and stubborn with God, He gets real quiet and waits I until I'm reasonable before he starts talking again. And I can never out-wait Him because He has astouding patience. Infinite, in fact. Trust me, it's very hard to beat.

Yes Lord.I hear you! It's time to quit stalling, everybody. He's waiting.

Dearest and Most Gracious Heavenly Father, I'd like to lift John Paulus up to you in prayer............