Do you struggle with your daily prayers ? Do you have a hard time keeping track ? Does your mind wonder while having your first cup of coffee ? So do I. Until I by accident came up with a little mnemonic acronym. Perhaps this can help you too.
How’s your French ? Fluent, rusty or complete foreign gobbledygook to you. In either case, this may still help. The French word for “a little bit” or “a small amount” is “peu”. If you would say “a little bit of cheese” (I have to keep in line with the French thing), one would ask for “un peu de fromage”. Now if you don’t speak French, perhaps you’ll remember the good old cartoon listed on the side here. It’s the good old Warner Brothers Pepe le Pew and if you can remember that, I’m sure it will bring you back to the French word “peu” that I’m using as a mnemonic.
So what do the letters stand for:
P: Protection and Provision
E: Encouragement and Example
U: Unbelievers and Uplifting
P: Protection and Provision
Under this category I am reminded of those that need protection in their ministry. It usually brings me back to those missionaries we know that are serving in difficult areas. Personally, it helps me remember the ALARM ministry, those in South-Sudan, the missionaries in the difficult areas in India and China.
Provision helps me remember those that are struggling in these difficult economic times. Those without a job, those with an illness, those with personal challenges at home or at work.
E: Encouragement and Example
We all know those that are discouraged. When I think about the “E” letter, I think about those that may be facing difficult circumstances. Those that are being slandered, sought out, blamed or targeted. Currently, this especially includes the elders and staff at our body. That they may feel God’s encouragement that they are serving Him faithfully.
It also brings to mind where I can be a living example to the gospel. People I struggle with. My lack of patience or love for those around me.
U: Unbelievers and Uplifting
The last letter reminds of those I know, friends, family, acquaintances that are unbelievers. That I may be a witness to them. That the Spirit may work on the seed I have planted. That ultimately they may come to recognize Christ for who He truly is.
The last portion of the last letter is the uplifting part. It’s showing gratitude for all the blessings we do have each and every day. It’s lifting up His name in praise for the day to come. Or the day gone by if you’re an evening prayer person like me.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thess 5:18
Perhaps this little mnemonic will help you as it does me.
A little bit of prayer goes a long way. All we need is a little bit of it. Un petit peu.