Previous Reflections
REFLECTIONS
January 21, 2007
one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray…”
Luke 11:1
Constant Companion
Cold, wet weather could not hold us back that day. How often is someone in the family selected to carry the Olympic Flame! Poor weather conditions certainly were not going to keep us from witnessing the event and supporting our son. Along with us were his wife, his two sons, and his brother. We were all there to cheer him on. And there he came, running up the hill decked out in the all white attire that identified the carriers of the Olympic Flame. What an honor to have been bestowed upon him.
We all felt so very blessed. I will always remember driving away from the scene filled with the emotion of the moment and the great blessing of our family. I felt blessed by the support we gave each other and the love we so openly shared. And as I drove down the street, my cheeks wet with tears, I thanked God aloud for our many blessings.
It hasn’t always been that way. I have not always been so quick to pray. And I certainly didn’t always remember to tell God thank you. And I almost never spoke to him aloud. I wonder now, why not. God is my Father. God is always with me. Jesus said, “and lo I am with you even to the end of the age.” So, why should I not talk to Him the way I would any other companion.
My prayer-life deficiencies are not unique. Even the disciples were challenged. When one of his disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he was not just asking how to pray, but just to pray. And I think just praying is the challenge I have faced most of my life. It is really about developing a dialog with my Father and lifelong companion.
Prayer is not a matter of accessibility to God. It is more an issue of awareness of Him, but even more it is an issue of comfort with Him.
There are other challenges too. One is the desire to be like God. That is the one introduced by Eve. And there is the matter of arrogance—I can handle this one on my own. And let’s not overlook the concern for what others might think if they see us pray.
But God is our constant companion. He is someone we can go to for help, instruction, or just friendship. He is someone for us to talk to anytime—and all the time. Paul said it best, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”[1]
Prayer will make a difference in your life. It certainly has in mine.
“You are the light of the world.”
Richard Ì
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