October 2, 2023
Weekly Reflection – Little Prayers
What about the “little prayers” we might offer throughout the day? I often take a great deal of time composing formal prayers, prayers to begin a meeting, prayers to recognize an associate’s particular accomplishment, and prayers to recognize the passing of a devoted servant of God. It came to me this week that these “big” prayers may be more for me and the hearers than they are heartfelt supplications to God. What does the Bible mean when it says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…” (I Thessalonians 5:16-17)? For example:
Pray upon waking with thanks for whatever the day will hold.
Pray for the gift of our “daily bread.”
Prayer upon seeing a rainbow or smelling the fresh air after a rain.
Prayer when experiencing temptation and especially after succumbing to temptation.
Prayer for a refreshing sleep and an eventual peaceful death.
Prayer of thanks after experiencing a “close call.”
Pray for rain when I see the lawn withering away in the drought.
Prayer for safety when a storm is approaching.
Prayer of thanks when I especially value my family.
Prayer of silence, letting the Holy Spirit have the last word in the quiet between our thoughts.
Each of these spontaneous “little prayers” speaks volumes. Truth be known, they are probably of greater value than any “big prayers” that might be offered.
Try it. You may find that you like it!
Blessings and peace,
Chaplain Allen
chaplain@nationsu.edu
Disclaimer statement: Please note that the opinions expressed herein are those of the Chaplain alone and are based on his personal understanding of scripture and how God works in our lives.
Read more Reflections: Chaplain’s Corner