How to win friends and influence people...

So I was at the library today, just working doing some stuff, and I ran into that book. I saw it on the shelves and thought "I have never read that book. I should read that book!". After all, it is a best seller. And who doesn't want to win friends and influence people? Lord knows I do!! I mean being at school, your first weeks all you're doing is winning friends, and now you're trying to influence people! It's like first semester of college all wrapped up in a handy little package. But I stopped myself and thought 'Sarah, you have some friends already. You've made friends since you've been here. And you seem to have some sort of influence as well. So why do you need to read that book?' I then applauded myself for such wisdom in seeing so clearly that I don't need to get that book right away, though it would be profitable to do so and I believe at some point I will read it. That got me to thinking, naturally, about why in the world I have friends and influence people. I have no idea what Mr. Carnegie says in his book because, as is obvious, I have never read it. And so perhaps I am doing what the book says, but did it entirely without the book. That is likely. But even more likely is another component to my winning friends and influencing people. And it will sound lame, but I do mean that it works. Prayer. That's how I'm winning friends and influencing people. You see, when I came to school, I prayed for friends. Well before I came to school, but especially as I was here at school. And then when I met people that could be friends, and yet I felt like they didn't like me as much as I liked them, I prayed for God to deepen those friendships (or the alternative, to have me not like them as much or something). And you know what? He has. There have been a couple of girls that I really prayed that I could become friends with, and I can gladly say that since I've been praying for that, our relationships have grown. It's pretty cool, actually. And then the influencing people part--I've found one of the biggest ways to influence someone is to pray for them. Not only praying for them, but praying with them. Finding out their needs and then praying right then and there with them. Not only telling them you're praying for them, but showing them, and then keep following up with that. It is highly significant in someone's life to know that another person cares enough to pray for them, and to keep praying for them. Also, praying specifically that the words I speak throughout the day are words from God and not from me, that I would build life in those I meet and not bring death, that my words would be a blessing and not a curse. It has helped me so much. I've never been a real intercessor. Sure praying is good, but I often need to do it outloud or my mind wanders. If I'm praying outloud I can pray for hours, but silently it is about a 2 minute threshold. So it's been neat for me to get here and pray about everything. God has definitely awakened my heart to the importance of prayer, and how as I pray and share my heart with Him, He will share His heart with me. It's such a lovely thing. If you are finding you don't have many friends or much influence, start talking to God. Now it doesn't mean you'll rule the world or be voted most popular, but you'll find He will create opportunities, and even more, He'll help you to find peace right where you're at. And even more important than both those, it'll draw you in deeper relationship with Him. So what are you doing? Go out there and pray! Mamak, Sarah