I love listening to the song “I Can Pray” recorded by the Dove Brothers. The words begin this way:
“You say I’m not able, I’m too young or I’m too old. And I can’t sing or teach, and no title do I hold. Lord, what can I do, for I want to do my part, and I want to help the hurting with all my heart?——–I Can pray.”
Prayer is important, but more important is who we pray to……..
Several years ago I picked up an issue of READER’S DIGEST and an article caught my eye immediately. The article was entitled “How We Pray.” The art work was a drawing of the United States with symbols in bright colors splashed throughout.
I began reading this issue right at this point. As I read on, I was greatly surprised. While some of the examples were actually of families and individuals who prayed to our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, many others were different.
One New Jersey mom of three states, “While we don’t give thanks to God, I do try to stop and give thanks for things throughout the day: the sunrise, my kids, my dogs,”
In Philadelphia, Jennifer states that she and her family pause at the start of every meal. “We don’t say grace; but we hold hands and smile at each other in a moment of gratitude for being together.”
Phil, a professor of secular studies states, “It’s[prayer] about focusing your mind on a hopeful outcome. If you think about people you love and your wishes for them, maybe that will put beneficial energy out there.”
You can’t make this stuff up folks! It seems like it takes a lot of energy and creativity to think of ways to pray without mentioning God. How do you pray to nothing? How do you give thanks to nothing?
I guess someone will have to re-write Webster’s: The dictionary definition of prayer is “an act of communion with GOD, such as a confession, praise, or thanksgiving; “
Jesus said to begin our prayer with “Our Father, who art in Heaven...” This is the model prayer—THIS IS PRAYER!
Pray to our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. You may think you can’t make a difference, but you can change the lives of others as you pray in the name of Jesus for them. Prayer makes the difference in your life, in the lives of others, and in the future of our nation.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane