How heartening it was to see the heightened appreciation for first responders in the early stages of the pandemic lockdown, such as when Parisians applauded each evening while lights blinked on the Eiffel Tower to say “Merci.” 

Anyone considered a first responder, including emergency medical personnel, fire fighters, and police, deserves applause. A first responder is anyone designated and trained to respond to an emergency. At the time of the American Revolution, colonists known as minutemen were ready for military service on a minute’s notice. They were alert, caring citizens like you and me, committed to the cause of freedom.

Aren’t all of us to whom God is so much more than a three-letter word also first responders or minutemen? “All God’s servants are minute men and women,” wrote Mary Baker Eddy (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 158). In the Bible, followers of Christ are advised to be “instant in prayer” as well as “rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (Romans 12:12; I Timothy 6:18). Good works aren’t limited to kind deeds, such as making face masks or delivering food amid a pandemic. Instant, heartfelt, understanding prayer always has been and always will be a powerful force for good and an effective, practical help.