Prayer

Sometimes a seemingly innocuous statement turns out to be extremely profound. Such was one I heard; “God has no ego problem”. It was said in reference to why He gave us the Ten Commandments; that it wasn’t for His benefit, but ours. I’ve found this also applies to our prayer life.

They say that prayer changes things, and it does, but even more important, prayer changes me. When I kneel in prayer I remember that for every little problem I have, there are ten thousand blessings. I remember that for every minus in my life there are a multitude of pluses.

I’m reminded that life is not all about me, and that I’m here to serve, not be served. I’m reminded that I’m to be longsuffering and forgiving regardless of how I’m treated. I’m reminded that I’m to love others “anyway”. Jesus knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and even everything I’ve ever thought, and He loves me “anyway”. And that’s how I’m to love others. Regardless of how they talk to me, how they treat, disrespect or abuse me, I’m to love them anyway.

When I rise from prayer, the circumstances have not changed, people around me have not changed and my problems have not suddenly disappeared. What’s changed is my attitude and how I can approach and deal with those circumstances.

When Jesus set the example and taught us to pray, it was not because He needed to hear from us, although He does want that, but it is for our benefit. He knew how badly we would need to talk to Him and have our attitudes adjusted everyday.

I know a person that’s always smiling. Every time you see them they are pleasant, cheerful, smiling. Of this person, someone else once commented that such a countenance is not natural.

I agree, it’s not natural, it’s heavenly.