Reflections From Sunday Evening

Prayer is a vast matter. Prayer is meant to be part of all of life. Prayer includes lifting our hearts to God in praise and adoration. Prayer includes confessing our sins and needs to God. Prayer offers a way to give thanks to God for all the rich blessings of life. Prayer is how we lift the needs of others to the Lord. Prayer brings us comfort when we hurt. Prayer brings encouragement. The list goes on and on. There is another element of prayer to recognize. While God is certainly in the caring business the primary purpose of our relationship with God is not to be comfortable. As a matter of fact I could make a case that when we pray and hear a word from God it may often be a huge challenge rather than constant comfort. There is a sense in which life is easier when God is silent. This is because when God speaks it is often to call and challenge people. But would you really rather have an easy life or a meaningful life? Today we lifted up the prayer; "Lord, what would you want to do through me?" That is in the context of our capital campaign but it truly applies to all of life. When you see problems in the world you can complain and talk about how bad things are...or say "Lord, what would you want to do through me?" When you see people struggling with marriage, raising children, with work or a host of issues, we can talk about people and feel sorry for them, or pray, "Lord, what would you want to do through me?" When you hold this pray before the Lord I do not believe God will remain silent. But be prepared for a challenge. Lord, what would you want to do through me? It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve