Prayer

I have talked about prayer so many times with people and so often all I get is the glassy eyed blank stare. It becomes clear that they are in a complete state of disbelief when I speak about the ways in which God has answered prayer. Sometimes I must admit I let it get to me because it feels like they are calling me a liar when I tell them about my experience and then I look into their eyes. With others the look or the words portray that thought that answered prayer is only a coincidence and then I think they must judge me foolish to hold such illogical beliefs. I so much want people to understand my reality about the power that is available through prayer to meet needs. Often the prayers are not for my own benefit but on occasion they have been personal. The house in the picture is an example. When I accepted the call to be rector of the church in Whitman, Marsha wanted to live close to the church. At the time we lived in Wrentham almost an hour away but we began looking for a house in Whitman. The closest we could find was about a mile away and that wasn't bad, but the house was small and not what we wanted either by it's location or quality or price. We asked the church to pray for us to find a home close to the church and we actually had and agreement on the house in the picture before the realtor's sign in the picture went up on the lawn. The sign went immediately to sold. The house was great, in fact it was magnificent. For Marsha and I it was a perfect home for our present and when we sold it also for our future. Our grandchildren all thought this was the best place for us and for them when they came for a month in the summer. Some of their best memories were in that house. The house was diagonally across the street from the church and it was the same price, almost, as the tiny slanted ceiling house a mile away. Coincidence people might say. Well if you live in my skin and you keep track of the large and small answers to prayer that continue to happen it just becomes impossible odds for so many coincidences to happen as a result of the prayers of one person. I also have friends both clergy and regular folks who have similar lists which defy the odds. I know I have a relationship with a gracious God who cares about us and who listens and answers prayer. Some prayers are not answered the way I want. Clearly Marsha would be alive today if all my prayers were answered the way I want, but I trust God even in this circumstance. Day by day I find God answering my prayers as I cope with my grief and the changes in my life. How can I do anything but praise the God who has answered so many prayers, and how could I keep silent and keep this blessing to myself when I know God wants us all to come into the fullness of that blessing. Thank you Lord that somehow we met and I came to find the deep love you have for us and the blessing you desire to shower upon us. Praise you and thank you Lord.