September 17, 2026
A PRAYER FOR ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE
(with thanks to Amy Grant)
Like many of you I find myself mindlessly scrolling through Facebook reels from time to time. Often this is a waste of time, a useless exercise of silly clips, political nonsense, or AI-generated tripe, but when my brain is tired at the end of the day it helps me relax... so, don’t judge. Not long ago I ran across a clip that featured Christian singer/songwriter, Amy Grant and I stopped scrolling (the link is at the end of this article). In this clip Ms. Grant recited a prayer she has prayed daily for the last several years and I hope it will move all of you the way it did me.
Lord, lead me today to those I need
and to those who need me,
and let something I do today have eternal significance.
Yes, it is a simple prayer. However, it is profound in that it brings spiritual focus to the day. Our lives are not a collection of random encounters, meaningless interruptions, or ordinary routines. Every day is an opportunity to walk with God, serve others, and participate in his work.
Lead me today…
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27) and David wrote, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23). We all know we need God’s direction so doesn’t it make sense to ask for it? The Christian life is all about following the Shepherd. While we want God to give us the whole plan complete with all the details, he wants us to trust him today, in this moment, just today.
God often leads us to opportunities we did not anticipate. He may put something in your day that blesses you or challenges you, encourages you or scares you, makes you laugh or makes you cry. He might interrupt your plans or change them altogether. Trust him. Follow him. Let him lead.
Lead me today to those I need…
Many of us like to operate solo. We live in the illusion of self-sufficiency. Other people might need us, but we do not want to depend on or need other people. However, Solomon wrote, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
None of us is self-sufficient and God brings people into our lives who can meet our needs – both the needs we are aware of and the needs we are not aware of. Paul needed Barnabas. Timothy needed Paul. Moses needed Aaron. David needed Jonathan. When God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18) he was talking about Adam, but he was also talking about… you.
Paul wrote, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Sometimes God answers our prayers by sending someone to us. Maybe someone will teach you something. Maybe they will encourage you. Maybe they will correct you. Maybe they will simply walk alongside you. Ask God to send someone today.
Lead me today to those who need me...
Now turn your attention outward. There are people all around us who need something and God may use you to meet their need. Someone may need encouragement. Someone may need forgiveness. Someone may need a listening ear. Someone may need to know they are not forgotten. Someone may need to hear Jesus loves them.
Paul wrote, “…in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4) and Jesus taught, “…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Of course, you and I cannot meet everyone’s need, but we can meet someone’s need today – doesn’t it make sense to ask God to lead us to that someone?
When we help someone. we are serving Jesus. A meal, a conversation, a ride, a handwritten note – there are a variety of ways for each one of us to meet someone’s need every day if we allow God to lead us to them.
Let something I do today have eternal significance.
Much of what you and I do in a typical day is temporary. We work, eat, clean, drive, shop, answer emails, pay bills, and complete countless tasks – many without much thought. There is really nothing wrong with these things! However, Jesus called us to live for something greater. He said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20). While Jesus was talking specifically about wealth, he was also laying out a principle: eternal things matter most.
Now here’s the thing about eternal things – we do not always see them in this life. Sometimes God allows us to do something that has eternal significance and we will not be aware of it until… well, until we are in eternity. God sees what we do not see – a parent patiently teaching their child a memory verse may be doing something of eternal significance. A follower of Jesus faithfully studying the Bible may be doing something of eternal significance. Sharing the gospel with a neighbor may be doing something of eternal significance. Praying faithfully for a prodigal child may be doing something of eternal significance. An elderly Christian encouraging a younger believer may be doing something of eternal significance. We may never know the full results of our obedience this side of heaven. Our responsibility is faithfulness. God's responsibility is the results.
So, let’s pray this prayer today… and tomorrow… and the day after that:
Lord, lead me today to those I need
and to those who need me,
and let something I do today have eternal significance.
---------------
CLICK HERE to see Amy Grant's video.