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Just pray
I confess. I'm probably the worst pray-er in the whole world. That's why it's so unnerving to be a guest speaker in today's National Day of Prayer. One would think that after nearly 30 years of attending church (the first half of my life in the Church of God, and the last seven years as a Methodist), I would have more effectively picked up on the nuances of talking to God. But that's just it. We as human beings, flawed as we are, often forget that prayer should be about having that comfortable relationship with The Almighty. Isn't that why we were created in the first place? I don't find it difficult to talk with family and friends, so why is it so hard with God? Prayers too often come at the most awkward times. “God, I know I was speeding, but if you'll please move this officer to let me off with a warning...” I'm certain that God appreciates the faith that we have at that moment, but I'm sure hearing from us outside of times of need and want is preferred. Today, millions of people across the United States, and undoubtedly thousands in Caldwell County, will bow their heads in reverent prayer. Some will pray to Allah, others to Mother Earth. The majority in this country will do so as Christians, praying to the risen Lord, Jesus Christ. However you plan to pray today, don't get hung up on the how, why or any of the other details. In my opinion, it's more important to just pray. I will join several other pray-ers at the noon event in Lenoir, one of five prayer events set for today. The subject I am responsible for is the media. That's not an easy thing to do as most mainstream media exists and operates in the secular world. However, the media remains among the biggest, if not the biggest, influences in today's society. We undoubtedly need the prayer and the guidance of a higher power in reflecting society. Some need prayer more than others. Others at today's events will pray for The Church, our government, America's families, education and the military. I can't think of five better topics, but just in case you want some more ideas on who or what needs some help from above, here are some other topics that will be on my mind today: € Our planet - Yes, there are plenty out there who believe the whole environmental movement is a hoax, and maybe they are right (which by the way, they are not). Even if this whole global warming thing is a left-wing conspiracy (by the way, it's not), what would it hurt to pray for Earth? It is our home after all, and certainly deserves our respect. € The economy - Like it or not, the American society revolves around money. So, when times are tough, people suffer. Caldwell County has had its fair share of suffering, and now the rest of the country is sharing that pain. Let's seek God's mercy and comfort as we all struggle with it in one way or another. € People in the Third World - Even if times are tough here in the United States, they are even tougher in other parts of the world. Every day people are dying due to malnutrition, war and disease in places like Asia, Africa and South America. Also, pray for the missionaries, volunteers and leaders trying to help these people. If any of you prayer warriors out there have an extra moment for a less pressing matter, please remember those of us who are still growing in God's love and learning to pray. God willing, we'll return the favor one day. Edward Terry Editor eterry@newstopic.net
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