No Request Too Small
Read Psalm 34:1-10
Pray without ceasing.
-1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NRSV)
"YOU prayed about a lost pen?" my friend exclaimed. I assured her that we did and that we found Bill's treasured pen inside his suit pocket the next day. My friend felt that to pray for something as insignificant as a pen was exploiting God's goodness and mercy. I disagreed with her and explained that we pray about things like lost pens, unexpected dinner guests, rude remarks, and all things that are a part of our everyday lives. When our prayers are answered, we celebrate with thanksgiving for God's graciousness. We see God as a member of our family, and God celebrates with us too. When we include God in every aspect of our lives, we feel closeness and intimacy with our Creator.
Jesus told his disciples, "Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive" (Matt. 21:22). I well remember whispering my favorite plea on the evenings when unexpected dinner guests would show up for dinner and I'd prepared food only for the seven in our family. "Please, Lord, loaves and fishes." (See Mark 6:34-44.) God knows what I mean by that prayer, and we have never had guests leave the table hungry.
Whether our prayer requests are large or small, God responds with joy to our trust.
Mary E. Dess (California, USA)
Dear Father, help us understand that you want to be involved in every detail of our lives, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Amen.
To learn about centering prayer, go to www.upperroom.org.
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