Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

May 2, 2017 – Family Reunion and Prayer

I had been invited to a family reunion. It was a big annual event for that family. They even had shirts made for each year. I was a little hesitant because that happy gathering had been known to turn into Family Feud (and I don’t mean the game show). Nevertheless I went because I had been asked to offer the blessing before the meal. Later I was told that the reason they wanted me to pray was because they didn’t want the self-designated family member to pray. They said that my prayers were short, and if he prayed the ants would carry everything off before he said Amen.

I wasn’t sure if that was a good reason to be invited to pray. Sometimes we need reminded that if God is directing our steps, then nothing that we do is in vain. It really turned out to be a good afternoon. The fried chicken, music and the making of friends was special.

In the Gospels Jesus prayed short, but powerful public prayers. His long prayers were up on the mountain alone all night kind of prayers. He taught us that praying to be heard by people would be rewarded by people hearing it, but it had little chance of reaching the throne because that kind of praying is not talking with God.

There are times to get alone with God and pour our hearts out before Him until we are completely empty and ready to be filled anew with His Spirit of life. Other times we simply need to talk as friend with Friend. And when the times come that we are so distraught that we don’t know what, or how, to pray we may find that our desperate “Help Me,” is the best prayer that we can pray.

I have good news for us all: The Lord said, “Call to me and I will answer you.” He also said, “The person who comes to Me, I will never, for any reason, cast out.” Today if you feel weak and burdened down; if your heart is aching over things that you cannot change: Jesus is calling you. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He might exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray