Short Prayers

Yesterday was a beautiful day with a lot of sunshine and heat. It was the kind of day you wished you had a pool.

My friend took her 20 kids to the pool yesterday (an exaggerated number, but there are many.) Her ten month old was found under the water. The day quickly turned dark.

When Tim called to let me know, I could tell he was struggling to hold it together. We prayed and asked God for healing, wisdom for the medical people and comfort for the family. The entire phone call was less than 3 minutes.

I know there were a lot of prayers on behalf of the family. I know the family was praying too. My guess is they were all short but fervent prayers filled with passion. Heal him – protect him – help me!

God isn’t looking for eloquent words. Nor is He keeping a stopwatch to mark how long you prayed.

He wants your heart. He wants your honesty. He wants your worship. He wants your raw, unfiltered, messy, confused emotions. He wants your heart.

The child cried last night – which was music to everyone’s ears. He is getting stronger and may leave the hospital today. So thankful.

At church last night, the worship songs contained the lyrics “Oh, magnify the Lord…Let us exalt His name together…No one beside You, Lord…Honor and praise are Yours forever.” Another was “Praise to the Lord…To the Lamb…To the King of heaven…With a thousand hallelujahs…We magnify Your name…You alone deserve the glory….” I sang my heart out last night. So very thankful.

I wondered if the outcome with the child had been different if I would have sung with such passion. Would I have wanted to Praise the Lord if I were mad at him?

Worship to God is not based on my feelings. Worship to God is because of who He is.

God doesn’t change. He is worthy. Period.

Short prayers or long prayers. It doesn’t matter to God. He is looking at your heart.

(originally published in 2022)