Thoughts on Prayer

We can’t get very far in life these days without coming into contact with the word “prayer”.  Almost all people pray some kind of prayer at odd moments during their day, even if it is of a less than righteous nature, such as, “God strike him down.”

I am a huge Anne Lamott fan.  In her book Help Thanks Wow she gives us this thought.

“Prayer is us reaching out to be heard, hoping to be found by a light and warmth …”

We seek some kind of communication with the Divine one.  We want some of his light to flood our pathway and warm our own lives.  Ann says, “We want to be heard.”

And I relate to this thought.

“Help.  Help us walk through this.  Help us come through.  It is the first great prayer.”

~Anne Lamott

When we pray to the divine one we are inviting him to enter into the mess of our lives.  We want His peace and a sense of Him to flood our life.

Then perhaps we should just pray.  We don’t have to assume a certain stance.  We can kneel, stand, lie down, exercise, drive, and eat, and we can still have some prayer time going on. 

God is always listening.  He actually delights in hearing our prayers, for He loves intimate, one-on-one moments with his creations. 

And the amazing thing is … “God can handle honesty, and prayer begins an honest conversation.”

Anne Lamott

On some days about all we can utter is ‘Help.”

On others we may feel like lashing out with anger.  That’s okay too.

And sometimes, we hurt so badly that all we can do is gently cry, perhaps moan, groan a bit, or rock back and forth as we examine our pain.

All the while, God is there with us.  He is standing nearby.  He is looking over our left shoulder and listening with interest to our heartbreak. 

God hears and that is enough. 

God hears.

And what does He say? 

Often, His answers come through the scriptures. 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

~Joshua 1:9 NIV

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

~Psalm 23:4 NIV

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”

~Hebrews 13:6 NIV

I've had an encouraging word come through books, magazine articles, or other individuals as well. 

Always remember this - when our hearts are about to burst, we can call out to God.  He stands ready to listen and offer help.

That is a promise.

Please watch this:

God Will Make a Way

My Prayer for All of Us

God:

I should pray.

I need to pray.

But what to say? 

I need you as my compass, my travel companion.  I can get into so many messes on my own.  I would rather avoid some of those messes and places. 

Help me God.

Amen

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time