Calling God

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:24-25

At Coffee Hour yesterday, a woman shared with me that she had God's phone number. God has told her not to share the number but keep it to herself. While we were standing there laughing, I got to thinking about all the things we do, like using cell phones and computers, that are modern marvels and most of us don't really know how they work. A couple of decades ago, no one would believe what we are simply able to do now would be possible. So, why not be able to call God - phone number or no phone number - since God has our numbers.

There are only two small requirements that Jesus outlines for our prayer life. They are believing in what you ask, and forgiving. Somehow, forgiveness is the hidden circuitry of prayer, our call to God for help and support. And in believing, we must be sincere and solidly sure, not making bets on the side, or using our prayer request as insurance policies. God is more than any betting and insurance can provide but most of feel more upset when we misplace our cell phone than when we forget to pray. Jesus invites us to understand that the powerful love God has for us can move mountains. God - the original mover and shaker. If we trust human capacity things will fail, but if we trust God it will be accomplished.

Today, I commit myself to a renewed prayer life. Sometimes I forget to ask God for what I need in every day and every moment. Today, I want to begin anew with prayer, making it the central part of my day, standing, sitting, walking, driving or on the cell phone (not while driving, of course). May we all be encouraged to pray and know that God, who loves us more than time and space is willing to move heaven and earth for the likes of us.