Christian Faith in Action

The other night, my husband and I were sitting in the living room watching a news program. The announcer was talking about the solders in Iraq and the hardship it placed on those left behind. Then he said something that spurred on a lengthy discussion. He said, “Our thoughts and warm wishes are with you all.”

My husband, being the practical man that he is, said, “What does that really mean? How do you send warm wishes anyway? Does anyone really feel better knowing our “thoughts” are with them?”

Of course he was finding the humor in the moment, but for me, it began stirring up this haunting question… “Do people really believe that prayer is just a warm wish carried away by a well meaning thought!” Even Christians are heard saying with good intention, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” What does that mean? And more importantly, I guess, what do I mean when I say that myself?

Just like the internet is the access into the World Wide Web, prayer is the access into the will and way of God Himself. Prayer does not reveal circumstances to God as much as it provides the opportunity for us to see that situation from His perspective. Prayer is our invitation to come alongside God and to join Him in what He is about to do.

Prayer is God’s language. He understands every intelligible moan; and can distinguish it from every emotion and intention of the heart it proceeds from. And yet He does not bend to conform His will to ours. But instead, He draws us into a relationship of trust whereby we can actually accept His will…even if it does not comply with what we might have hoped for.

Although it is true that prayer often changes circumstances… more importantly, it changes us! Prayer is the place where we can learn to speak God’s language if we can be taught to listen as well as we speak!

When we enter by prayer into the mindset of God, we are as royal children coming into the courts of our Father the King. We begin to cry out our petition to the One we know has the ability to deliver on our request, but something even more astounding begins to take place.

Instead of issuing a decree to end hunger…He breaks the bread of Hi s provision and gives it to us to distribute. Instead of proclaiming an end to all wars and contentions, we are given His authority to speak restoration and reconciliation in His name!

In His presence we are discipled and mentored in order to bear His image and reflect His heart. We perceive His compassion so we may offer His love more authentically. We tap into His patience so we may bear one another’s burdens. And we receive His discernment so that we know what thing…is really the important thing.

As I (warmly) began to think about those solders in Iraq, and their families, I turned those thoughts towards my heavenly Father in prayer.

“Father,

Please love those men when they feel alone...”

“Yes, child, I will touch them where you cannot reach.”

“Father, please provide for their families while they are away…”

My child, you bear My hands and feet. What will you do to show my love to those who you are able to reach?”

Yes, Lord, may Your burden be my burden, so that Your will may be accomplished through me…In Jesus Name Amen!”

In the end…Our warm wishes to feed the hungry or clothe the naked do very little without putting those thoughts to action. That is what we are called to do as servants of the Most High King. However, the Lord Himself is at work in all things, even where we are not. That is the sovereignty of God. May prayer be the place where we engage the needs we become aware of, with ample supply of his riches and glory. Both there…and here! Amen!