Review: Praying For Strangers

It took a while, but I finally read the book I had heard so much about.  That book would be Praying For Strangers by River Jordan.  I heard about this book through the grapevine before I ever actually obtained a copy and read it.  It didn't disappoint.  Basically, River Jordan decides as a resolution that she will pray for a stranger each day.  This is partly to enable her to get outside of her own worries and concerns.  It begins when she encounters a situation in a public bathroom and she does not intervene; she regrets not intervening actually.  The book chronicles her year of praying for strangers.  She takes this one step farther by actually telling those strangers of her resolutions and asking their name and if they have any special prayer requests.  You would be surprised at what she learns in the process and how she is changed though this process.  The simple lessons I took away from this book as a reader and writer are as follows:

1)  As humans we are all important to one another and all interrelated.
2)  There but for the grace of God go I.
3)  Outward appearances do not necessarily tell you who needs prayer or how much prayer is needed.
4)  Caring for an unknown someone can make you a better human being.
5)  Moving out of your comfort zone can be worth the risk.
6)  Someday it is going to matter that you spent a portion of your life being selfless.
7)  Most people genuinely wish for the same basic blessings; food, shelter, love, and a good life.
8)  You may know your life's purpose; however, you will always encounter the unexpected.
9)  Never assume you know someone's story.
10)  The people you meet can teach you something via their character and their actions.
11)  Everyone appears to be unified in the wish to be blessed greatly.
12)  There are no right or wrong people to pray for.
13)  Ultimately, people cross our paths for a reason.
14)  Strangers can provide you with a hint to pray for someone you know.
15)  Sometimes people need prayer and sometimes they need take action help.
16)  Praying for others can become not just a resolution, but a lifestyle.