Today marks the 60th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer. This year, the national theme is “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” and is based on the Psalm 91:2, which says, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Today, millions of people around the country will participate in organized prayer events held in thousands of public venues, churches and convention centers.
Early this morning, at 6 a.m., I participated in the West Metro National Day of Prayer Breakfast and was honored to offer the prayer for our military men and women. There were close to 400 people present, including police officers, military, church leaders, Calvary members, and many brothers and sisters in Christ. What a powerful event! To witness 400 people praying full-heartedly for the government, the military, the media, businesses, our schools, our churches and our families, I began to think how this event should not be an annual event held each May, but an “everyday” event. What would happen if God’s people prayed EVERY day?
When I was little, I remember how every night when my mom would tuck me in bed, we would say prayers. They were simple prayers, but they were prayed from my little heart. I would thank God for everything, even the dandelions! From my perspective, I saw them as pretty yellow flowers, not weeds. Once I finished thanking Him for everything but the kitchen sink, I would then pray for all my friends, family, my fish, my dolls, my stuffed dog named Rufus and anyone I thought God could help. There was never a doubt in my mind that God heard my prayers, and I knew God would answer them. After all, I was connecting with God in a personal, heart-to-heart way as only a child can.
I think we can learn a lot about prayer when we look at children pray. They don’t use a bunch of BIG words or meaningless phrases. Prayer isn’t about reciting endless laundry lists of what we want God to do for us, nor is it about using a magic formula. Children just talk to God from their hearts. They just pray! They pray with simplicity and enthusiasm. So, what would happen if we prayed with the same simplicity, enthusiasm and heart-felt trust as children do? Could we change our world? Our nation? Our community? Our church? Our schools? Our families?
On this National Day of Prayer, let’s share our prayer stories on the blog. How has prayer changed your life or deepened your faith journey?
Here’s a wonderful song about what happens when God’s people pray.
Remember, when life gives you more than you can handle... kneel.
Pax,
Pastor Carol
No comments:
Post a Comment