All I Can Do Is Pray!

This is a phrase that we use so often with good intent. We are saying that we wish we could contribute time, actively help, or assist in some way. The problem with that is that when we say all we can do is pray, the other person may hear us saying that prayer isn’t that much of a deal or that it isn't effective. We make it sound like anything else might be of more value than prayer. In most cases, I do not believe that this is the intent. When pushed, I hope that most Christians would quickly admit how essential prayer is to daily living, and yet we still say it. A better response would be, “The most important thing I can do is keeping you in prayer. I was hoping there would be other ways I might be able to help.” Our language can be used in a very powerful way, or we can foolishly let our words detract from the true meaning. Prayer can literally move mountains. Jesus said so. We are told that nothing is impossible with God. We speak to God in prayer. Jesus got up early in the morning to pray, which wouldn’t make sense if prayer wasn’t so vital. In James 5:16 we read, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” There are many other passages about prayer as well. Prayer is not the only thing we can do, but it is by far one of the greatest things we can do. We need to make sure we give God control of our lives. I have heard people say that God is my co-pilot. I have heard them corrected by saying if God is our co-pilot, He is in the wrong seat. That we should be the co-pilot. I struggle even with that concept. A co-pilot has the same training as the pilot does. He is there to assist and to take over if something happens to the pilot. We are not equal to God, although we are to be imitators. We don’t assist, we follow His command and leading. Lastly, God will never need us to take over. He rules over all. When we first get up... pray! As we head off to work and begin our projects... pray. When we drive, when we shop, when we visit, when we “play”... pray. When the evening is ending and sleep fills our eyes... prayer. Seek His direction and be obedient. Father, Help us each day to not only know Your will for us, but give us the commitment and strength to accomplish it. Amen