Thoughts on Prayer

In hard times it is easy

To remember prayer each day

But usually it is saying “God”,

“Please make things as I say!”

When we want a boon, are hurting,

Or just to ease our fear

We open our hearts (or just our mouths)

And hope that God will hear.

That the words, like incantations

A Djinni wish at best,

Will make a powerful being

Intercede on our behest.

This style of prayer is easy.

We do this without thought.

But prayer to God, as we should

Is not done as often as it ought.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven”

“Hallowed be Thy name”

Sets the tone and praises God

It gives to Him the fame.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done”

Continues on this theme.

Praise to God, in all things

No matter how bad it may seem.

Keep your thoughts on God

And what you do to bring

Glory to his name

Rather than any selfish thing.

It is good to pray for things you need

And our God always provides

All you need in your life

And for your soul besides.

Lay your failings before Him

Confess your sins and flaws.

Jesus already paid that price for you

And snatched you from Hell’s jaws.

Your Father God in heaven

Has loved you before you knew

And will continue loving you

No matter what you do.

Any sin is foul to God

We all have lost this fight

It is only through Jesus' sacrifice

That we can enter in His sight.

Hold no grudges against those

Who harm you, as you know

The Son has paid in full for all

So you must let those feelings go.

Ask God to protect you

From all you can not stand.

He does not ask any more than this

And will protect you with his hand.

The cup of suffering passed to you

Is to refine you for your task.

You can plead with God to take it away:

It is not a sin to ask.

But always know, deep in your heart,

It is God’s will that must be done.

And remember in your prayers

The example of his Son.

Jesus said “If there is another way”

Don’t let me die, and still

If you should ask it of me

I will always do your will.

So praise his name in prayer and song

Ask your Father for what you need

For your body, and your soul

To serve him; heart, mind, and deed.

Paul Johnston
25 October 2010