What good is prayer?

Photo by Michael Kindinger.

Do you wonder what prayer is for? Especially when you’re praying for someone who minimizes if not dismisses the loving intervention of God? If that person won’t choose to open themselves to God, if that person won’t choose to work with God to make things better, does this make prayer … ineffective?

Is this dismissive person sometimes you?

Shortly after my son died, I was dragging. Where was God? What good did praying do? And I got angry with the rote responses: “we have to believe;” “God was there;” and, “more than you know.” Really!? No! I don’t accept that! I need to know!

WHAT GOOD DOES PRAYER DO, GOD?

This is what I believe. This is what I’ve experienced. Prayer interrupts. Prayer informs. Prayer does.

When another needs to be tripped up, slowed down, knocked sideways in order to stop and think, prayer does this.

When another is looking for answers, solutions, ways, prayer does this.

When another needs comfort, challenge, strength, wisdom, prayer does this.

Yes, it helps incredibly, if the person prayed for chooses to put the grace coming their way from our prayer to use. But, their neglect does not render that grace ineffective. How could God’s grace, God’s presence, coming by our loved ones ever be rendered ineffective?

Pray!

Reflection

What is your experience of the efficacy of prayer?

Prayer

Dear God, remind me that my feelings about prayer do not determine their efficacy. Your mercy, Your love is what drives prayer. Help me to realize prayer is like asking You to go by those for whom I pray. There is nothing more effective than that. Amen.