I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
Hymn: Every Hour I Need Thee
From my Dad’s mouth…
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippines 4:11
I did not grow up poor but I do remember some months where funds were “tight” and we had to watch our pennies. I especially remember meals of toast and soupy rice. That is rice cooked in milk with butter and sugar garnished by a side of toast. For the record, it was delicious.
My father was an optimist. He would look at our meal and he would say “I wonder what the poor people are eating tonight?” Dad would say this in times of plenty and times of want. He knew that we would have days of blessings and days not so blessed.
Today, I sit here and feel sorry for myself over life events. It’s easy to do. The days where you just want to throw in the towel and give up.
But, my father’s words reminded me that I am blessed beyond measure and should have a heart filled with gratitude.
I don’t think these words came to me by accident, I believe “someone” wants me to remember his sage advice. I ask God to forgive me for wanting more.
I know He hears me.
I know my Dad is smiling.
Praying with the faithful at a little country church…
Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Daniel 9:17-18
My parents were faithful members of a country Baptist church. They believed in the power of prayer.
Every Wednesday night they attended a service with Bible study followed by the prayers and petitions of the faithful and sometimes not so faith-filled. There were no time limits. If you needed prayer, they stayed and prayed.
Some nights I sat there astonished at the requests. Yes, they prayed for someone’s boils and another’s warts, but they also prayed for life and death situations and believe me when I tell you…they prayed in earnest. Whether it was what we might consider trivial or life threatening, each prayer was met with sincerity and seriousness.
My Dad used to say, “Not all prayer requests are the same, but all requests are to be considered and lifted to the Lord.”
I like that way of thinking. Too often we believe that the trivial isn’t worth bringing to the Lord but in fact, everything is worth asking God’s help to resolve.
Bring your petitions to God and sit back and watch what happens. It might not be what you expected, but it will be more than you can imagine. I have seen the power of prayer at work.
A little country Baptist church remains faithful to God’s call and someone is comforted.
God is good…
Amen.
We Shall Come Rejoicing 