A Time For Prayer

In Luke 18:1, Jesus command to his disciples was that "man should always pray and not faint." Since September 11, those words have been present in my mind and heart. Prayer has always been a part of my daily routine, but after that day, my prayer life has taken another turn.

Just think with me for a moment. Those people drove their personal vehicles, boarded city buses and subways on their way to work to earn a living for their families. In a few short minutes, their daily routine was changed in a manner unimaginable. While some worked, and others traveled to work, the enemy drove two planes into their buildings. And to date, that place has become a mass grave site.

While thousands remain unaccounted for, God still remains faithful in his promise to man. He declared in his word that, "whatsoever we desire when we pray if we believe we shall receive it, then we shall have it."

Immediately following the tragedy, President Bush and Congress called for a national day of prayer. Prayer, which has been forbidden in our schools and workplaces, became this nation's central theme.

The belief that prayer violated our right to separation of church and state was unimportant on that date. Both the president and Congress, who are usually divided on their political views, agreed that prayer is the answer to this nation's woes.

My daily prayer to God is for forgiveness of those sins for which I am unaware. I seek forgiveness so that if I'm called home, I will be ready. We must lie down with a clear conscience. No wonder David declared, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures and leadeth me besides still waters. With all that is going on around me, it is God who keeps my waters still.'' Psalm 23 (KJV)

I give thanks to God that in the midst of the tragedy, I can go to Him, knowing that my needs and concerns are important to Him. I'm aware that when I have gone to my extreme, God leads me to peaceful streams. I'm confident that though I walk through the valley of the shadows of death, I'm not fearful, because God is forever with me.

I gained a personal relationship with the Father through prayer. God is aware of everything that goes on with each and every one of us. Our fellowship with the Father can only occur through prayer.

This nation has a real problem, and our only answer is prayer. Our solutions won't come from some financial analyst or world leader. Americans will find their answers as the apostles did before us; through a period I refer to as "A Time of Prayer".

By Naomi Brown