The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. (James 5:16b NRSV)

Dear People of God,

Last month I wrote that the prayer room located in Groff Hall has been opened and made available for anyone who would like a quiet place of prayer. I am very happy at the response to the room. Many have mentioned how beautifully it has been appointed, and many others have used it to pray, counsel, or as a quiet place of rest and peace. Soon we will be holding healing prayers in between services for those who wish to be prayed for, or for those who would like to stand in for others.

First may I say that prayer really works. Over the course of the past few years we have heard stories of healing, restored relationships, financial blessings, and many other ‘miracles’ attributed to prayer. One man told me that he overwhelmingly felt the prayers and presence of God and a supportive community as he went through a difficult operation. Another has seen the miracle of a new birth when medical professionals said it was impossible. Another had a growth that was gone when he returned for a doctor visit. Another tells of a family member who has come to faith after years of rejecting God’s grace.

The scriptures are full of verses that tell us that God hears and answers the prayers of his people. The puzzling thing for most of us is when God answers our prayers in a different way than we desire or expect. Someone once said that God answers every prayer; sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes, no, and sometimes not yet. Jesus’ prayer the night before he died for us gives us insight as to why some prayers are not answered the way we want. Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will" (Mark:4:35,36). Sometimes our prayers are not in accord with the will of God, and our desires, however worthy, will lead to incomplete or less than satisfying answers. In any event I have come to the realization that God is God, and I’m not, and I trust God to know what is best.

God knows our needs even before we ask, so why do we need to pray? Sometimes I think is to see if we really care, but prayer is more than us asking for our needs and desires to be met. Prayer is about intimate union with God. I believe that the ultimate purpose for our existence is to share love with God, and from that love to share it with those around us. How do we share our love with God? By spending time in God’s presence, pouring our hearts out to him, and God pouring grace into us.

You will be hearing more and more on the subject of prayer in the coming months. We will be asking for people who are interested to make a one-month commitment to pray daily for various aspects of our common life. We will be asking that some pray specifically for the leadership of the parish, others for the ministries, others for those on the sick list, and others for mission, outreach, community and national concerns. When we pray God answers, and when God answers, good things will happen.

Faithfully,

Fr. David