CS Lewis said,
“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time- waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God- it changes me.”
When life is rolling along, and we are happy and content, prayer often gets forgotten, other than momentary whispers of thanks. But, when struggles, heartaches and worries mount, we are often more aware of our need to pray.
I liken prayer to taking vitamins.
Certainly, much of the nutrition I need comes from my food, but vitamins fill in the blanks, topping our bodies up on what our food does not. With vitamins, I feel I have an element of extra protection for my body.
Sometimes (especially on holidays) I forget to take my vitamins, forgoing my routine, and they sit, un-utilized for weeks at a time. Then I notice my joints aching, my energy lagging and the effects of low iron. Immediately I return to my routine, knowing that the results will take days or weeks to be felt.
I know, from past experience, that the wait will be worthwhile!
Prayer is similar. When I am practising daily prayer, I have balance in my life. Even though there may be challenging days, I have the assurance that my soul is protected. But, sometimes I get out of the practise. I can go days, even weeks, without bowing my knee (will) to God in prayer. Then, I notice my heart is heavy, fears begin to invade my thoughts and I am rather dissatisfied with life.
The difference between taking vitamins and praying, is that, returning to the practise of prayer produces immediate results.
Lets not stop practising this life-giving habit. It’s benefits far outreach changing the situations around us, for it’s benefits can change our hearts.
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable
to show them that they should
always pray and not give up.”
Luke 18:1
itsawonderfilledlife 