In his recent sermon, Rev. Jack McNary reminded us how important prayer is. He said that the need to pray comes most often in the darkest of nights, or the direst of circumstances. And that while God already knows what's in our hearts, our taking the time to think through our worries ... our wants ... our cares ... is good for us. We do this just as much for our own benefit as for God's.
Sometimes it feels awkward to pray. Am I deserving enough? Am I humble enough? How will I feel if what I pray for doesn't materialize? And why in the world am I talking to an invisible being? Putting those thoughts aside—and focusing on a conversation with God—can be oh, so hard. The best we can do is to to be honest with ourselves and be ready to listen. Answered prayers don't usually appear like lightning flashes from heaven, but rather in small, measured bits of information and insight that come in unexpected ways. Often it can be quite a while before we understand and recognize an "aha" moment as an answered prayer.
The very act of praying changes us. And through us, changes everything.
… praying.
