Prayer

Prayer is more than asking,
      more than finding,
      more than having a door opened.
Prayer is not some sneaky way
      to cajole God into
      thinking the way you do.
You can't tell God anything
     God does not already know.
     So, why pray?
I see it this way.
Prayer connects or reconnects
     you to the creative life force
     of the universe.
     (We are not trifling here.)
The Source of your being
     requests your attention,
     In a cosmic way, it is mom
     saying, “Why haven’t you called?'
Then mom offers
     a meal, comfort, support, consolation,
     a listening ear, a word of advice.
Prayer is your free ticket
     to a spiritual banquet
     that just won’t quit.
     It is all home cooking,
     from your spiritual home in God.
Are there answers?
     Absolutely.  But the answers come
     when you pray, pay attention and
     work furiously to explore
     your options.  You may want to write
     down your insights to remember them
     and act on them.
Is there silence?
     Mostly.  You surely won’t hear God speak.
     He is too wise for that.  We would get
     lazy and weak if the answers were
     delivered on a silver platter.
Will you change?
     Yes.  If you are listening with heart,
     soul and mind.
Will you have to do something?
     It always happens after I pray.
     I walk away with a to do list
     inspired by this God I follow.
Can you encounter Christ?
     Yes.  Close your eyes
     and use your imagination.
Will prayer “work”?
      Ask anybody who has prayed
      fervently, without pretense.

Moving to the deeper places,

Jeff