D.L. Moody said, “The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.”
Those who believe that God still reigns, that He has not walked away from His creation, or given up on us, turn to prayer. Sometimes we imagine that prayer is a nice thing, a good thing, a thing we suggest to others when life isn’t going well. We may think of it as a blessing because it allows us to talk to God anytime, or at least any time we feel like it. We might acknowledge that prayer makes a difference, though we don’t know for sure what a difference it makes.
Today, let’s focus on the stunning opportunity we have to take everything to God. We don’t have a ticket that will expire if we don’t use it. We don’t have designated moments when prayer is allowed. We don’t have to worry that God won’t accept the call when He sees we’re beeping in. We are not limited by anything. We don’t even have to be eloquent, or brilliant as we search for the right words. We simply have to show up, open our hearts before the only One who can actually help us, and humble ourselves before Him. We have to go to God trusting He welcomes us, wants to talk with us, and that He listens with interest.
We cannot overwhelm Him, surprise Him, or confess things He doesn’t already know. Prayer is not about ourselves; prayer is all about God. It’s about the clay resting in the hands of the Potter. It’s about knowing the Source of peace and forgiveness. It’s about knowing we can do nothing of importance without God’s help, despite our social media connections. We are not on earth to simply take in the world and try to figure it out. We’re here to take in God and learn more about what He wants from us.
Prayer is your heart connecting to God’s heart. It’s your lips to God’s ear. It’s your opportunity to usher in the light to all those dark spaces that linger in your mind. It’s not something you have to do, or something you are obligated to do. It’s what you are blessed to do. You call on the name of the greatest power in any universe and He hears you. He sees you. He walks beside you and He knows you better than you know yourself.
When it comes to matters of prayer, remember that prayer matters. It matters more than your thoughts, opinions, judgments, ideas, or anything else that may fill your heart and mind.
Prayer matters, not because you are praying, but because God is listening.
Politicians, theologians, scholars of all sorts have opinions, but only God has answers!
Your prayers usher in the light. Pray without ceasing, dear friends!