My grandchildren call me for help every day. It is a constant everyday occurrence and I realize they’re not even truly aware they do it. It is like second nature. “Nana, I need help with my shoelaces, Nana, can you help me find my socks? Nana, I don’t know what this word means, can you help me? Nana, I don’t understand this homework, can you help explain it to me? Nana, can you help me fix my bike? Nana, can you help me improve my catching by throwing the balls to me? Nana, I have a science project due, can you help me with ideas? Nana, what is this?” And, the list goes on. The call for help is constant and varies from day to day.
I like when they ask me to help them pray for their personal and childlike faith needs and their wants as well. These I will give priority and pray with them, whether it be to pass a test they’ve studied for or to do a good job on their speech at school or to hit the ball at one of their games. They know that prayer does make a difference.
” Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 I pray for help in finding my car keys, or my glasses. I pray for our dogs, and the horses. I pray for the current and common needs at hand. And, I try to keep a thankful spirit about it all. In all honesty when I pray this way, the frustration and even the fear of situations I go through recede. I believe God listens to my every day routine requests just as he listens to my long-winded hurting and heartfelt ones. I have needs, my family has needs, my extended family and friends have needs and no doubt you have them as well.
The psalmist wrote, “I patiently waited, Lord, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the Lord God. You bless all of those who trust you Lord…” Psalm 40:1-4
This is a prayer for help. And, I believe and trust it. We praise God and thank him regardless of the situation. Many times, it is not painless, nor simple. It is difficult, and challenging. However, the benefits of praying for help with a thankful heart brings an eventual peace such that we can honor and trust the Lord God. That’s what we’re all about, right?
ritasalomon 