"We are responsible before God to pray for those God brings into our circle of nearness." -Richard J. Foster-

Who is within your circle of nearness? Does this circle encompass your family? Most certainly it should. Does it include your friends? Probably it does...

But does it also include those people you know nothing about? The homeless man you see on the street corner every evening on your way home from work, holding up a sign "Will work for food.."

Does it include that young upstart of a sales clerk, who couldn't put her cell phone down while she was ringing up your purchases? Do you need to become more aware of who it is around you that won't talk to you or make eye contact, but they sincerely need your prayers?

How about this? Next time the phone rings and it is a telephone solicitator instead of hanging up on him, try this approach:

"You know. I want to thank you for calling me today. Your job must be really difficult at times. If you would like for me to, I will be happy to stop for a moment and pray with you. Perhaps together calling on God, you will be able to get through this trying time."

Try extending a prayer in friendship instead of succumbing to your frustration, annoyance or anger. Learn to look at who is walking within your circle of life and make peace with all....

Those of you who wish to write, you do not need to always find the extraordinary to write about. Look to the ordinary and understand that writing about what you observe on a daily basis will speak to an audience who also has a routine life. Look to be inspired by those around you and record your thoughts in a daily journal-