Prayer Is For The Desperate, Delighted, Displaced And/Or Dog-Tired
Yes, prayer is for all of the above and everyone in between. Which is why I pray. And so tomorrow, I’ll head to Church to connect with God and folks like me, who come or drag themselves or others to church weekly or now and then. We show up out of desperation, duty or a desire for something that’s missing but vital.
For me, church is both a holy habit and a hankering, a hungering for something as crucial to real life, as breathing. Church is a place packed with possibilities for forgiveness, reconciliation, belonging and learning how to live life better, more fully as God intended. It is a safe place for generations to connect in a society too divided by class and age, for starters.
So, more praying, trusting God, and choosing to show up. Oh, and more laughter. Joy is contangious. So is the ability to laugh at ourselves. I laughed and cringed when I read a recent list in the New York Times about some of the stuff we’re into: “T-shirt cannons, tree-shaped air fresheners, personal injury lawyers, as in 1-800-Got Pain?, dog strollers, bottomless baskets of chips and salsa. ” Oops, that one got a little too personal.
But where does prayer fit? Today in Philip Yancey’s Grace Notes he wrote, “Prayer is a subversive act performed in a world that constantly calls faith into question.” Well, as my kids will proabably attest, I’m better at talking than listening. And yet, prayer is both talking and listening Or so I’ve read.
So, now what, other than praying and spreading some laughter and joy? Well, a while ago, my friend, Judy, sent me some aphorisms. Take a look:
1. “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you place the blame.”
2. “We have enough youth. How about a fountain of smart?“
3. And lastly,“We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse.”
Well, I’m in the stage of life where “things get worse.” But not everything. The Red Sox won 1-0 last night. And Treat Bakery still had two cardamom buns left yesterday, when I showed up after 2p.m. Miracles still happen. Sometimes even when I don’t pray. Thank God!
So, see why I need to haul myself to church?
And why I often pray, “Lord, have mercy”?
You too?