“Why do you pray?”.

28Jul
Hear my cry, O God,
And listen to my prayer.
I call you from the ends of the earth
With heaviness in my heart.
Set me upon the rock that is higher than I
For you have been my refuge,
A strong tower against the enemy.
-Psalm 61


Psalm 61 is one that I should plaster all over my house. It is a prayer used “in times of despair, distance, emotional exhaustion, and offers a shift from focusing on problems to focusing on God’s protective power.” And God knows, we’ve all been there.


I pray a lot, and my prayer list seems to get longer each day. I pray for big things (like peace on earth) and small things (like finding a parking place on Magazine Street) and I know in my heart that God hears me. We are on each other’s speed dial, for sure.


So I asked about a dozen dear friends, “Why do you pray?”. In a totally un-scientific poll they responded and the answers were fascinating.

 

Most of the responders started with gratitude for the good life they have. Others asked for good health and peace in the world and in their families. Many asked for help when they feel helpless. One simply wanted to remind God of who she is. One asked for forgiveness and one hoped that “whoever is up there hears me.” Another begged for peace “with whatever God throws at me.”


I got the feeling that most of the time their prayers were answered, imperfect as they seemed. Prayer, no doubt, was the salve that got them through the moment.


Many years ago, I wrote a Mother’s Day feature about a woman who had twelve children. The logistics of her life were daunting, but she took it all in stride. I asked her what was the one piece of advice that she gave her children that she hopes sticks with them. She replied, “Pray every day. That way, when you really need something you won’t be a stranger to God.”


Musical Reflection- I Say a Little Prayer for You - Aretha Franklin


Gracious God, help me to pray today that Your will be done. Let me trust that is the key to acceptance and peace. Amen.

Prayer

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