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A Few Thoughts on Prayer

by Connie P. Williams, Ph.D.

Prayer is the process of opening your heart and mind in communicating with God. It is a spiritual communion with God. Colossians 4: 2 says, “Don’t be weary in prayer; keep at it; wait for God’s answers and remember to be thankful when they come” (TLB). Many of us can remember a time when a congregation or another like-minded group prayed collectively for someone, or for a concern and the concern they were praying for came to pass. Those who believe know that prayer changes things.

When we say, “I’ll be praying for you”; “I’ll keep you in my prayers”; or “You’re in my thoughts and prayers”, do we really follow through on that promise? Even though it may be said without giving it any thought, it is a serious promise and not to be taken lightly. With these words, you have promised to pray on behalf of the person you’ve spoken to. You have promised to intercede to God on his or her behalf. That is a powerful promise and an even more powerful responsibility.

How often have you promised to pray for someone and you don’t think about it until you see them or a family member again? Then you say to yourself, “Oops… I meant to pray for them!!!” We do this even though we know that prayer can be a powerful healer and comforter. Stop at that moment and take the time to pray that intercessory prayer that is very much needed. Then make specific plans to do as you have promised to fervently, earnestly, and consistently pray. You can make a list and set aside a specific time to pray or you can make your promise of praying a part of your daily ritual. Plan to pray and stick with it. Keep your promise and pray.

I recall a time when church deacons would pray public prayers during the church devotional period. These prayers were eloquently spoken by a deacon with a powerful voice and heartfelt tone. The prayer would often start with these words: “Lord, I come to you, head bowed and knee bent, as humbly as I know how…” The prayer would be interspersed with shouts of a fervent “Now, Lord! Now Lord!” These prayers were deeply spiritual and spoken with great passion and from a great depth of experiences. If you’re not ready to speak at that level of eloquence, just speak to God in the best way that you can. He hears and recognizes your voice and He knows you are sincere. No matter how your words come out, He’ll know who and what you’re talking about. When it comes to praying, keep at it because prayer changes things.

Send your feedback to Dr. Williams at
cpwilliams5@yahoo.com
and ideas for future columns to
religion@eastaustinonline.com