Some people “get” prayer. They inhale heaven and exhale God. They retreat to prayer mountains and prayer events. They would rather pray than sleep.
Why is it that I tend to sleep when I pray? My mind wanders. My thoughts zig, then zag, then zig again. Distractions swarm like gnats on a summer night. Prayer giant? Hardly. Prayer wimp? Admittedly.
But, I am happy to add, I am a recovering prayer wimp. I discovered a few things about prayer that invigorated my prayer life. Here’s one:
All the prayers of the Bible can be condensed into a single prayer. And the prayer is a simple one. Just six lines. I call it The Pocket Prayer.
Father,
You are good.
I need help.
So do they.
Thank you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
I let this prayer punctuate my day. I keep it in the back of my mind, ever within reach of my thoughts. As I drive through traffic…Father. Walking through the office…You are good. Stepping into a meeting…I need help. Looking at the stressed face of the receptionist…They need help. As the day draws to an end…Thanks. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I unpack the Pocket Prayer in my new book: Before Amen. It is a book on prayer for those who struggle to pray. If you’re a prayer warrior, perhaps this book will reinforce your calling. If you can relate to the phrase “Prayer Wimp”, then I’ve got some good news for you.
God will teach you to pray. Don’t think for a minute that he is glaring at you from a distance with crossed arms and a scowl, waiting for you to get your prayer life together. Just the opposite. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you and you will eat with me” (Rev. 3:20 ncv).
Jesus waits on the porch. He stands on the threshold. He taps … and calls. He waits for you to open the door. To pray is to open it. Prayer is the hand of faith on the door handle of your heart.
Let’s reach out and open the door.
© Max Lucado, 2014
//
