Prayer—Is it First? Or Last?

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 NIV

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” Unknown

Rainy days and Sundays get me down, the song goes. Winter blahs. Rinse and repeat. Trudging. Plodding. Same old, same old. The world is a mess. People at each other’s throats with blaming, warring and bullying. I’m sure Jesus and his disciples trudged through dusty roads, same food or hungry, harassed by politicians, the unstable, sick and the religious elite. We get the same.

We also get to be available to love. To contribute. To seek opportunity in the gray, painful and dismal. To seek answers from the Word and other Christians.

Then I decide to pray. Why do I save prayer for last? Why do I forget that He is always with me? Why do I forget he will not forsake me? Why am I afraid?

Because I’ve limited my father. Because I’ve limited my father’s power. Because I’m trying to go in my own strength and not trust in my father.

We’ve adopted rules and regulations for prayer from those we’ve elected as spiritually superior. The longer the prayer, the more effective, we think. The longer on our knees, the more pious and humble. Then why does Hebrews declare that we are to come to the Throne of Grace boldly (Hebrews 4:16)? Why does the Bible say we are a Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)? Because he loves us. Because he loves others. Because the victory is the Lord’s. The power is his and not man’s. And God delights in this.

Musings

Today, the news is heart-wrenching and full of fear. Actually, the news is always heart-wrenching and full of fear. A simple prayer offered in all sincerity should be first on my list. God help them. God help me. God save me. God save them. The details are my father’s. I trust the Holy Spirit, prayer and the word to lead to beautiful destinations. Prayer first.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you that you’re with us always, even to the end. Thank you for your power in our personal lives and in the world. We will not be moved. Your unfailing love is ours today and tomorrow. Even a simple prayer like “help me” or “save me” is answered by you. Help us to remember to abide in you and with you. “I believe. Help my unbelief.”

Amen.