mlynnm
07-19-2005, 03:20 PM
God Answers Short Prayers
by Donna J. Werstler
"Remember, we have a prayer meeting, Saturdays, at 6 pm. I'd sure like to see you here." Following his announcement, Pastor Dave dismissed us.
Though I admit a special night for prayer is a commendable idea, we live too far to make another trip to the church. And while I'm not against the planned prayer meeting, I know God listens to and answers the
spontaneous, short prayers we sometimes call out to Him in our distress.
Take the day, several years ago, when I totaled my van. Though I planned to go home after work, I made a spontaneous detour and stopped at a thrift store - just to browse. Deeply engrossed in my favorite pastime, I
failed to notice my watch. Once I did, however, I immediately left the store and headed home by a different, but closer route. Little did I realize my shortcut would add an additional two hours to my trip.
When I tapped my brake, which chose not to respond, I swerved around the corner, turned completely around, rolled over, and stopped - the van resting on the driver's door. With no time to pray at the outset of my shocking mishap, I later cried, "Oh God, help me!" when I felt trapped, knowing the van could catch on fire. Within an instant, a truck careened around the corner, bringing a kind, elderly man to my rescue. Obviously, I could not take the time to recite "The Lord's Prayer," "The Apostles' Creed" or even, "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep."
So, which are more correct - short prayers or long conversational prayers?
Actually, both are acceptable. Keep in mind what prayer is - a conversation between you and God. As you have undoubtedly heard, you cannot have a close relationship with another if you never take time to communicate. How long would the bond between you and your husband hold if you never talked? Ideally it's the long, lazy chats shared while resting in a hammock, strolling hand-in-hand down the lane or even driving to the mall that are the most meaningful.
But, the need often arises for a short spurt of dialogue. As your husband steps out the door, "Get gas. Tank's almost empty," "Remember your dental appointment," or even, "I love you." That's one we squeeze in as we rush off in two different directions. But, it works. It's not the preferred deep conversation essential for planning future goals, discussing problems concerning the teens or when to move Mother into a nursing home, decisions on which we could spend hours. Likewise, opportunities
will crop up when a condensed prayer is all you'll have time for.
Just after the September 11 terrorist attack, my sister, Dr. Darla Wisler, pastor of Living Water Church in Anderson, South Carolina, called me. We discussed the senselessness of the thousands of innocent people who died in that horrific carnage. However, we both agreed many of them might have been ready. And, we hoped those who were not had a moment to blurt out, "God save me." That's all it takes. Just a simple plea, which she aptly called, "short prayers," for God to respond.
We can never forget one of the most popular examples of a short prayer, spoken by the thief on the cross that caught our Lord's attention. He simply said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom (Luke 23:42b, NIV).
Just nine words. Nine of the most significant words this man ever spoke that touched the heart of God, as He responded with, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
I find that especially encouraging because I may not have time to pray a long prayer the next time my brakes fail, a storm hits my home or . . . well, who knows what may happen? What kind of prayer will you think to
pray next time you're in trouble?
by Donna J. Werstler
"Remember, we have a prayer meeting, Saturdays, at 6 pm. I'd sure like to see you here." Following his announcement, Pastor Dave dismissed us.
Though I admit a special night for prayer is a commendable idea, we live too far to make another trip to the church. And while I'm not against the planned prayer meeting, I know God listens to and answers the
spontaneous, short prayers we sometimes call out to Him in our distress.
Take the day, several years ago, when I totaled my van. Though I planned to go home after work, I made a spontaneous detour and stopped at a thrift store - just to browse. Deeply engrossed in my favorite pastime, I
failed to notice my watch. Once I did, however, I immediately left the store and headed home by a different, but closer route. Little did I realize my shortcut would add an additional two hours to my trip.
When I tapped my brake, which chose not to respond, I swerved around the corner, turned completely around, rolled over, and stopped - the van resting on the driver's door. With no time to pray at the outset of my shocking mishap, I later cried, "Oh God, help me!" when I felt trapped, knowing the van could catch on fire. Within an instant, a truck careened around the corner, bringing a kind, elderly man to my rescue. Obviously, I could not take the time to recite "The Lord's Prayer," "The Apostles' Creed" or even, "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep."
So, which are more correct - short prayers or long conversational prayers?
Actually, both are acceptable. Keep in mind what prayer is - a conversation between you and God. As you have undoubtedly heard, you cannot have a close relationship with another if you never take time to communicate. How long would the bond between you and your husband hold if you never talked? Ideally it's the long, lazy chats shared while resting in a hammock, strolling hand-in-hand down the lane or even driving to the mall that are the most meaningful.
But, the need often arises for a short spurt of dialogue. As your husband steps out the door, "Get gas. Tank's almost empty," "Remember your dental appointment," or even, "I love you." That's one we squeeze in as we rush off in two different directions. But, it works. It's not the preferred deep conversation essential for planning future goals, discussing problems concerning the teens or when to move Mother into a nursing home, decisions on which we could spend hours. Likewise, opportunities
will crop up when a condensed prayer is all you'll have time for.
Just after the September 11 terrorist attack, my sister, Dr. Darla Wisler, pastor of Living Water Church in Anderson, South Carolina, called me. We discussed the senselessness of the thousands of innocent people who died in that horrific carnage. However, we both agreed many of them might have been ready. And, we hoped those who were not had a moment to blurt out, "God save me." That's all it takes. Just a simple plea, which she aptly called, "short prayers," for God to respond.
We can never forget one of the most popular examples of a short prayer, spoken by the thief on the cross that caught our Lord's attention. He simply said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom (Luke 23:42b, NIV).
Just nine words. Nine of the most significant words this man ever spoke that touched the heart of God, as He responded with, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
I find that especially encouraging because I may not have time to pray a long prayer the next time my brakes fail, a storm hits my home or . . . well, who knows what may happen? What kind of prayer will you think to
pray next time you're in trouble?