A New Day to Pray
Published in the Omaha World Herald’s “From the Pulpit”
May 7, 2023
Reverend Eric L. Jay
“A New Day to Pray”
My grandmother once told me, “Every morning when you wake up, knock on heaven’s door before your feet hit the floor.” I must confess, though I remember my grandmother’s words and agree with them, I find it difficult to pray first thing upon waking up even when I think about doing it the night before. Thoughts about the day ahead and what didn’t get done yesterday take up most of the little space I have to think within the fist 30 minutes of waking up. I’m not sure exactly who first said this (it’s often attributed to Martin Luther), but regardless of the source, it is true nonetheless, “I have so much to do today, I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
Especially when we have a lot going on in life, we should pray all the more. After all, Jesus did say to His disciples in John 15, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Sure, anyone can get a lot done without praying, but only those things done in faith are the things that please God and that serve an eternal purpose even in this temporary life. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” We are invited by our Lord to pray about everything, and He assures us in Luke 11:9 that when we “ask, it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Prayer is not an exercise for God. He is not dependent upon our prayers to work in our life or perfectly and lovingly reign as the forgiving and generous Lord of our life. Prayer is something God has given to us as a gracious gift because we are dependent on Him for everything. He gave His Son over to the sinfulness of humanity to be sacrificed so that by Christ’s dying for our sins and raising to new life for our salvation, He can now freely give us everything we need and the hope and strength our hearts desire. Prayer is not a method or duty. Prayer in the Word of God is the Christian life.
We often hear it said when someone is waiting eagerly for important or exciting news, or just when they can’t wait to hear the latest gossip, “Hurry up and tell me, I am dying to hear.” Though that is just a figure of speech for us, the truth is my friends, someone did die to hear from you. Jesus Christ died in order that you may know Him and know God as we are loved by Him and live each day in the sure hope of His love, forgiveness, and salvation.