One Wondrous Comfort

I woke in the middle of the night and had trouble returning to sleep.

When that happens, I've learned to take my cue. 

I open my Bible.

This time the pages randomly opened to Psalm 121. As I read the opening lines, I was surprised. They were the same ones I'd embroidered on a pillow years ago. Hours earlier while straightening that very pillow, I'd taken time to read the words. I noticed how years of use had worn away the purple floss so that some words were missing letters and how the ada cloth was no longer white.

Still, I couldn't bring myself to throw the pillow away, even though I knew these two verses by heart.

As I lay in bed with my finger on the Bible page, I read the entire psalm. Its words comforted me.

I placed the open book over my heart and slept.

This morning as I walked, I lifted my eyes to the hills. Shortly after, I lifted my camera.

This evening, I lifted the image onto my laptop.

It's amazing how God works.

Three different moments.

Same psalmic thought.

One wondrous comfort.

What is Prayer?

Editor's Note: I shared this message in our church's August newsletter.


In Sunday School, we teach our students to say: "God made me. God loves me. God wants me close to Him." Then we ask, "How can you or I grow closer to God?" This question often leads to another:

"What is prayer?"

Our students often respond, "Prayer is 'talking' to God." It's true. God wants you and me to share with Him whatever is on our heart. We can do this aloud or silently; alone in a quiet place; or by closing our eyes while in a crowd. We can sit, kneel, stand, slouch, walk, run or even jump while talking to God. God wants to know what makes us happy, sad, worried, mad, relieved or grateful.

Then, there's the trickier part of the lesson: God also wants you and me to listen. To do so, we must quiet both our body and mind to focus on an answer. Sometimes God speaks to us through others. Other times, God speaks to us when we read His Word. Often times, God speaks directly to our heart. We recognize God when the answer is good and true. Sometimes we may need to ask a trusted grownup for help to understand God's answer.

What's best of all? Even before you or I pray, God knows what's on our heart. He has an answer ready. It may not always be what we want, but we can always trust God to give us what we need. He wants only what's best for each of us. Whatever His answer, we can be assured that it will help us grow closer to Him and learn to believe that only God can provide exactly what you and I need. Amen.