Friday, July 11, 2008

Prayers - Before, During, and After

Tonight I cannot seem to think of something to write about prayer. The well is empty. Actually, that should be a basis for a prayer. I should have prayed before I began this and waited for the guidance. That’s typical of me all too often. I just barge ahead and ask for help after I’m deeply into a problem, and I expect God to fix it after I’ve messed it up. Still, he does help, even when I ask too late. I like that.

Prayer, therefore, as I see it, works before a problem begins, it helps while the problem is in existence, and it helps after the problem is full blown. I really should ask for help as early as possible. With God being so kind as to help me no matter what, it’s rather rude of me to wait so late. I must be giving him the impression that I am arrogantly expecting him to fix my problems and that I do not care to even try to avoid them in the first place.

Some problems, though, are not of my doing. They are just a consequence of life. My task should be to foresee as much as I can, but to ask for help as soon as I detect a bump in the road. Fixing a bump is a lot easier than fixing a sinkhole that has swallowed my life entirely. If I am smart enough, I will ask for help each morning. I’ve mentioned that before, but it’s still not quite the habit I want it to be.

Thank you, Father, for all your help, no matter when I ask for it.

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