Getting our Bearings (10/09/2024)

Yesterday, on tv, I saw a spot with Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham and head of Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organization that ministers to those in need, especially in the aftermath of storms and destruction. He spoke of the needs of the people still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and of the wonderful men and women trying to aid the suffering. Then, just when I thought he’d ask for donations, he corrected my thoughts. “I’m not here to ask for donations but for prayers.” And suddenly I remembered a moment from years ago and that prayer changes things.

Years ago, I was sent on behalf of the diocese of Madison into faith communities to help address challenges and at times to help them navigate change that was being asked of them by the diocese. I remember one meeting in particular in a parish about 20 minutes away from the diocesan offices. I was aware of its potential to become heated and emotional. We began with prayer, then I explained the changes the bishop was asking the parish to make, collaborating more closely with a nearby parish and sharing a pastor. About 40 minutes into the conversation, things became so heated that I found myself silently asking the LORD, “Help me.” And He did.

Suddenly, I knew to my core that we needed to stop and get our bearings through prayer. And so that’s what I did. I stopped the conversation and asked everyone to join with me in prayer for the LORD’s guidance. I began with a spontaneous prayer to the Father, seeking His will for us at that time and place. I turned our plea to the Son, asking that He illuminate our hearts and minds with Truth and that He tenderize our being with His love. And I called upon the Spirit for guidance and grace, especially the grace to cooperate with the LORD and the LORD’s desire for us. Then together we prayed the Our Father. When the prayer ended, we had silence for a few minutes.

And when our conversation for the evening restarted, it was different. The LORD had heard our prayers. We had heard the LORD speaking to us through that prayer. We were reminded of what we share and that it far outweighed our differences. Prayer can do that. We go to the LORD with requests for change or assistance and often the greatest change that occurs is in us.

When we face our greatest challenges, may we who follow Christ always remember that the answers lie in our LORD’s will and loving mercy. Let us be willing to stop what we’re doing and turn to the LORD for help, for direction, for miracles. We are called to pray without ceasing because it reminds us what this is really all about.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.