Rest in Prayer 2.19.23
Jerry Beebe

 

Recently one of our board members shared a great article with me on how prayer produces a “soul at rest.”   We all need rest in these busy times so I thought I’d share a synopsis of this column written by Lois Krogh.   She begins by reminding us a few things that prayer is NOT:

  1.  Prayer is NOT telling God things He doesn’t know.
  2.  Prayer is NOT encouraging God to do what He has promised.
  3.  Prayer is NOT urging God to do what He doesn’t want to do.

Krogh explains that God is a covenant making, covenant keeping God.  He is always willing and able and committed to keeping His promises.   She reminds us of the famous words of St. Augustine; “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”   We are often tempted to look at many places to find the rest our soul needs.  Prayer is that reminder to look to Jesus who welcomed us to come to Him and find rest.

  1. Prayer focuses our attention on the only one who can give us rest.
  2. Prayer is an exercise in faith that leads to rest.
  3. Prayer subdues anxiety that hinders rest.
  4. Ultimately, prayer is a declaration of dependence that welcomes rest.

Prayers doesn’t change God, it changes us.  Prayer changes us by reminding me of who god is.  He is Creator, Sustainer, Savior and King.  He is wise, and loving and just, full of grace and truth.   When we pray, lets come dependnt and expectant, pouring our heart out to the Lord where we can truly find rest for our weary souls.