Monday, August 22, 2011

Dear God,

Why do we pray? What is the purpose of prayer? Are you the God who waits for human voices to tell you what to do? Do you stand idly by waiting for instructions?

Or is prayer something different? Is prayer about our own faithfulness, a statement of who we are and how we live our lives? Are prayers evidence that we believe? A sign that we care?

How does prayer make a difference and who initiates prayer in us? How do we live our part of the praying relationship?

As I prayed before rising this morning, the reason for prayer came to me. What do I expect you to do, I thought to myself. Indeed, what do I expect from you? And then, of course, that led me to think about my part in the equation. What do I expect from myself? Or even more, what do you expect from me?

My usual expectation is that those I pray for will experience your living presence. That is what is behind every prayer I pray. I guess I expect you to help others sense your loving presence. I do not expect you to heal, renew, reconcile, or restore everyone. I believe we participate in some of that ourselves with your help.

As I continue
to pray,
lead me,
Merciful God;
teach me
to do
my part
in prayer.
Help me become
a living witness
to your
living presence,
I pray.

Love, Andrea