Pray Anyway!
Growing up, I didn't need an alarm clock to wake me up because my mother prayed so loudly every morning. I knew by her voice when it was the right time to wake up. My mom is a prayer warrior. Even now, at the age of 75, I know she is praying for me every morning. I so wish that I had her spirit when it comes to prayer.
If I were to be honest with you, this week has just been rough on every end and has put a damper on my time with God. When I look at what my friends are going through and the state of our country, I've honestly felt depleted.
When I told my mom how I felt about my friends' needs and their trials, not to mention the division and chaos I see in our world, her words resonated with me the way they did when I lived at home as a child: "Maina, pray anyway." My mom's words stuck with me, reminding me that God wants to hear from me, anyway, no matter the situation or circumstance.
Recently, I had breakfast with author Sarah Young's brother, Tim Kelly, who has written a fascinating book about his sister and her journey, "The Journey to Jesus." In the book, Tim gives a behind-the-scenes view of his sister's rise and health challenges. As soon as I approached the table, I could tell it was Sarah's brother by his calm demeanor. Although Sarah has passed away, her work still lives on in many people's lives.
Many of my friends have been battling tough and severe issues as of late. I've felt this past week that I've been saying sorry to many of my friends who can't seem to get a break. I was reminded while talking with Tim that Sarah's life was met with health challenges. "There were many days that Sarah didn't have the energy to leave the house." Tim went on to say that Sarah wrote and "did ministry from the heart."
Although my mom and Tim have never met, his words sounded a lot like my mom in a strange way, to pray anyway, even when the demands of life are coming against you. Hearing Tim say that Sarah felt called to write, no matter her circumstances, reminded me that God has called us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
The Lord has a steadfast love for us, which should move us to pray regardless of the circumstances. It's through prayer that we lean on God's calling us to Himself.
Last week, I did something I do every Fourth of July: ran a 10k. Yes, I can't believe it either, that I do this to myself every year; it's known as the largest 10k gathering in the country. I couldn't help but notice the sea of 55,000 runners who swarmed downtown Atlanta on a hot July morning.
In the middle of the race, I noticed a group of people protesting, which struck me as odd but also reminded me of how divided our country is right now. I have friends on all sides of the political spectrum, which I love. So, when I get to sit down with ministers who are ministering in the thick of culture, such as my new friend Aaron Graham, who pastors The District Church in the heart of Washington, DC.
I try to pick up and read anything they have to say, since in Aaron's case, he is ministering in the nation's capital. Aaron has a new book titled "Unshakable Faith," which I've enjoyed reading over the last few weeks. Although Aaron and my mom have never met, he also resonated with the same theme my mom told me. "Simply show up to worship God; the act of showing up simply reminds me that I am not alone."
During the run, I was reminded by Aaron's words to me, along with the words in the book, that one way we can love those around us in this divided world is to show up and pray for them.
During the 10K, I stopped and prayed anyway, as my mom's words resonated with me. In this season of relationship and family issues, along with division in our country, we've been called to pray anyway. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing, especially in times like this. Pray anyway.
Photo: ©Getty Images/Andrey Popov
Originally published July 13, 2026.
