Prayer is an Action
I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed this evening. There are at least three people whom I care about who are in desperate need of a physical touch from God. There is the fire near Pigeon Forge and the people I know in that area who may need to evacuate. I have friends who are expecting babies in the next few weeks. And then there is our country: wisdom needed for the President-elect to appoint cabinet members and a Supreme Court Justice, talk about recounting ballots, etc. I feel like there is so much to pray about and yet my mind is going in so many directions it’s hard to focus. I’m physically drained which doesn’t help either.
That said, as I was praying for various friends this afternoon, I was reminded that prayer is an action. It is not something that should be done as a passive formality. I have seen people approach God as they might talk to Santa Claus, with a list of things they would like but they are also fine without. I think we need more people like the persistent widow who kept going back to the judge until he finally granted her petition because he was weary of her.
I am not name it, claim it. I do not believe God owes me anything. But I do believe that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) avails much (James 5:16). The answer may still be no, but I do not want to be one of those people who has not because she asks not (James 4:2). Sometimes I think God wants to know just how badly we want what we ask for. Do we really want to see our loved ones saved or healed, or do we just pray because that is what “good Christians” do?
I hate feeling helpless but I serve a God who is anything but helpless. I can’t be everywhere at once, but God can be. He is the only one who can control the outcomes to the things I mentioned. I need to pray as if I believe that.
If prayer has become more of a ritual instead of something meaningful, I encourage you to break up the routine. Try a different room, take a walk, kneel … whatever will help you to regain focus, do it. Seek His face, make your requests known, believe that He hears, and I expect you will begin to see answers to those prayers in ways you never dreamed.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on prayer. Yes, when physically, emotionally, and even spiritually drained, prayer is still the answer. I KNOW that I would not be where I am physically as compared to even a few days ago without the care, concern, and prayer of family and friends. This is a post worth sharing.