Isaiah 38:14
Delirious, I chattered like a swallow or a crane, and then I moaned like a mourning dove. My eyes grew tired of looking to heaven for help. I am in trouble, Lord. Help me!”
God's children often struggle with finding words of peace through prayer, even from within the fellowship of the Creator. Sometimes it's difficult to find the words. Sometimes the words are all fluttering around just out of reach. Sometimes the best prayer is the short to the point statement, "I'm in trouble, Lord. Help me!"
Turns out it's not really so much about the words as it is about the certainty found in prevailing in even imperfect prayers.
The nature of prayer is the nature of humanity. Prayers reflect the human condition and the need to find connections with God and with fellow believers. Prayers can unite spirits in worship and faith. Prayers can inspire hope, generate faith, and guide troubled hearts and thoughts toward healing. So much goodwill can become God's grace through prayer.
And sometimes it's all in vain, too many repetitions. It's as if we get to thinking that God is forever surrounded by the sound of praising angels, he's too busy, caught up in governing of the universe. Maybe he needs us to send him a flurry of words to catch his attention for just a moment.
Prayer is like a road that takes you home. Sometimes you just gotta walk it in silence. You instinctively know the way, just start walking. It's not about the road, it's not about the things you say and do on that road, it's about where that road takes you.
You walk that road because you remember God's word said The Lord hears the cries of the young ravens. He hears when a swallow falls. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight or hearing.
And yes God hears the sinner, but...does he listen?
John 9:31
"We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him"
We have a role in being listened to.
God hears everyone, but being listened to requires worshippers who are in spirit and truth. God doesn't need prayers decorated like a Christmas tree. If you're an educator, pray like an educator. If you're a farmer pray like a farmer. If you're a truck driver prayer like a truck driver_______well, maybe clean it up a bit first.
What ever words you use, use them in spirit and in truth.
Make your words count.
The Five Second Prayer
1. Father
2. Forgive me
3. Sinner
4. Amen
5. Thank you Lord