Just Pray!

One of the disciples said to Jesus, "Teach us to pray."
-Luke 11:1 (NRSV)


WHEN I was two years old, my mother made a commitment to Christ. Some years afterward, I committed myself completely to Christ and his church. Later, I became a pastor. Even so, I was burdened with a significant spiritual concern: I felt that I did not know how to pray. Many times I asked God to teach me to pray, but I heard no response to my plea.

How many times has God spoken to us and we have not heard the message? One Sunday very recently, God answered me in a simple but enlightening message given by a leader in my congregation whose name is Evelyn. She repeated a familiar saying about prayer, "When you cannot pray as you would, pray as you can. But pray!" My burden began to lift after I heard those words, and I have felt more at peace.

Evelyn was the instrument God used to help me with my concern. And it all happened in God's time, not mine.


Prayer
Giver of peace, help us to surrender our will to you. In our times of doubt and anxiety, give us patience as we wait for your guidance. As Jesus taught us, we pray, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation." Amen.



From: UpperRoom Devotionals - Nicolás Obispo Pérez