When Christians Pray

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 heal their land

(2 Chronicles 7:14)

May 2nd was the date that year for the annual of National Day of Prayer.  For the first time in our area, it was officially being recognized community-wide.  The day began with a Prayer Breakfast hosted by the mayor, and attended by a number of clergymen and lay members.  Following breakfast, churches stayed open throughout the day and early evening so people could come to pray. 

It was a meaningful experience for those who participated, and hearts were encouraged by the evidence that prayer still played a vital role in our community.  But among the positive things I remember of that time, one incident still astounds me.  It happened during a planning meeting which took place a few weeks in advance.

 A number of ideas were put forth by committee members who met to organize the event. One idea was to encourage participants to spend at least one hour in prayer that day.  A list of suggested things for which to pray would be made available.  

When this was mentioned, a woman who I knew to be a devout Christian, breathed an audible sigh of relief and exclaimed, “Oh good, because I couldn’t imagine what on earth I could pray about for a whole hour.”  Surprised, I was even more taken aback when a number of others appeared to share her sentiment.

Prayer, by God’s design, is simply communicating with Him.  An intimate time, in which believers express their love and devotion to Him, ask for wisdom and leadership, and present other petitions.  He wants us to share everything with Him just as we would with any good friend. 

The difference is that God is always with us.  He loves us more deeply than humanly possible, and has every resource to help.   He has promised to provide for our needs, but made no such promise concerning our greed.  It is imperative, then that we are willing to let Him have total authority over each matter.  If we want His power, we must follow His plan which includes His time, His way, His place.

                                     Lord, when Christians go to You in prayer, 

                                     and with You all their burdens share,

                                     a world of wrongs You will make right, 

                                     and heavy hearts You will make light.

                                     Your loving heart is tuned to hear

                                     the unspoken cry, the unshed tear; 

                                     the slightest wound to heart or pride; 

                                     the silent plea for help that’s cried.

                                     When Christians pray their humble prayers, 

                                     someone is saved from Satan’s snares;

                                     for there’s no greater force nor sway 

                                     than that You send when Christians pray.