Small Prayer

Recently I was praying and that led me to thinking about my prayers.  There are so many pray requests that come into my realm of living.  Sunday night church ones, prayer group, neighborhood, ladies, and the church prayer line.  Then there's individuals who reach out, regular ongoing prayers of my own, prayers for those I've met in missions, and for those around the world...the needs and desires go on and on and it feels overwhelming.  I'm too small for all of this!!  My prayers are inadequate!!  They are not eloquent or fancy, sometimes I can only think of a few words or maybe even just a cry of the heart.  

But then I felt it come up in my heart, "I am more than enough.  I am more than able to handle the biggest and smallest prayers."  Our prayers, no matter how small or sloppy or inarticulate go to a Being who is more than enough, who is infinite and wise.  His ways and His character and care are not determined by the size or substance of our prayers.  

Do you too doubt your prayers?  Do you feel like your prayers are too small, too messy, not special enough?  While this may be true in part, because we are human and we fall short, but our God is more.  More than our lack of words or abilities to be articulate.  He sees the heart behind the ask or need.  And He already has the answer in place, the plan working out.  

Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

Matthew 6:8 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

Daniel 10:12 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.

Our Father knows our needs, the needs of those we love and care about and the needs of every person on earth.  When we come before Him it's not the eloquence of our words we offer, but the beauty of a humble heart.  When our hearts are set to seek God, to acknowledge our powerlessness and need, these are the prayers that get answers.  

Jesus even warned of those who make a big show of praying in Matthew 6:5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.   They are looking for the praise of men.  Whether we pray in the secret place or in a group together it's our heart that God sees and answers.  

Lord, so often my words feel so small, but I am thankful that You are an infinite God.  Even one small word can move Your hand and be the blessing.  I don't know how it all works.  We pray, You answer.  You plan, we pray....Around and around it goes.  But the truth is You ask us to come to You in prayer and we do that in obedience and in need.  You never said be fancy.  You said come in humility and fervancy.  Lord, give us hearts for prayer.  Thank You that You are more than enough.  In our Savior's Name.  Amen 

I will be away next week.  Heading off to see family.  Please pray for safe and smooth travels and a trip that exalts Jesus!