Nobody Reads This Page: “Prayer”

 

c. 2025 Rod Ice

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(10-25)

 

 

Matthew 6:1-8 (NIV) – “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

 

Prayer is a tradition that has many forms, with a nod to spiritual habits practiced around the world. For some, it is a repetition of proscribed verses that have been sanctioned by a religious hierarchy. For others, it is a more basic interpretation of scriptures that speak of an intercession between man and God being made. At the very least, it is a channeling of positive energy. One directed to a deity, or unseen creator, with certainty in the balance. Each of these entreaties is unique in character, not only because of the style involved, but also the original intent. Those who believe in a vacuum of sorts, of no afterlife or higher plane of existence beyond the veil, shortchange themselves in this regard.

 

A spouse from my past liked to characterize such divine interactions as a conversation between children and their parents. She observed that even if our needs were already known to God the Father, he wanted to hear our plea, directly. I liked that view. It was sensible and sound.

 

In personal terms, I prefer to find moments of clarity throughout the day, when my mind is sharp and I am able to focus on the goal of giving thanks. Sometimes this seems easiest as I am driving alone, in my car. Perhaps because I live in a rural neighborhood where getting anywhere involves rolling along lonely stretches of pavement. A backdrop of natural beauty is always available, through my windshield. This canvas seems useful as I strive to express my thoughts.

 

“Heavenly Father – I come to you with this petition, as a humbled sinner. One who has fallen short of your glory, today and every day. I give thanks for your grace, which I do not deserve, and could never earn. And I give thanks for life, the ultimate gift. For my survival. For endurance even when I am weak. I also give thanks for my writing, which is a tradition handed down from my earthly father, Aunt Juanita, and Grandma McCray. Something connected forever to music, which is also a fruit of my bloodline. I ask you to watch over my family, and keep them safe. And also ask your protection for those I call my extended family, those with whom I have been connected through kinship of all kinds, over the years. I lift up everyone on my prayer list, all those with great needs, cares, and concerns. Those who are battling afflictions and challenges. Especially those who are hurting and alone. Let them be healed through your mercy. And comforted by those of us who are able to help. Everyone in my circle, neighbors and friends, former co-workers, fellow believers, old friends that I do not see anymore, even those who I forget to name. Even those who I barely know. And especially, those who seek to be my enemy. I do not need such willful opponents. They do me no good. Their actions do harm to us both in this equation. I pray for their well-being as I do for my own. And I ask that their hearts will be softened by time and forgiveness. This I do, in the tradition of Christ on the cross. I also pray for peace to break out around the world. For wars to end, for the bloodshed to cease. I pray for armies to abandon their weapons, and go home to their families. I pray for a time when the human inclination to fight with each other will be forgotten, forever. I pray for hatred and prejudice to drown in a sea of fellowship. I pray for an awakening of souls who call upon your name with reverence. I pray for a better tomorrow, for a better day, going forward. I pray for your gospel to be lifted up and shared. Most of all, I pray to do better as someone who has failed to claim your victory, even when my faith remains intact, and I know the truth. Let me offer an example of goodness to those in need. I know that Satan would rejoice if I renounced my belief, but that is a prize I refuse to give. I will not separate myself from you, even when I know that my journey has often strayed from the path of righteousness. I repent for my transgressions, for my pride and my anger. For my selfishness when benevolence would do better. And pray for strength, a kinder spirit, and hope. I rejoice in your kingdom and in the light of your word. All these things I bring to you in the Holy name of Jesus, as we were taught to pray. Amen.”

 

There can be no doubt that my freeform style of prayer is a product of being raised in a clergyman’s household. My father was a pastor in the Church of Christ, a non-denominational fellowship with roots in the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. I have often pondered that this upbringing produced a sort of Libertarian outlook on life in general. One based on civility and cooperation. On balance, equality in the eyes of God, and a familial ethos. I have chosen to shun the artificial nature of large-scale organizations. And also, to practice the art of humility, when endeavoring to profess my faith, to others.

 

My methodology here is no better or worse than any other. But I do hope that in the end, it is one communicated with authenticity, and love.