Weekly Thought – August 18, 2026
Fred understood the human condition. When talking about commitment he wrote, “Another escape is perfectionism. Waiting for perfection in relationships, causes, or jobs may sound sensible but it’s utter foolishness.” He also understood the importance of prayer in the life of imperfect human beings.
Our Father
Prayer is a critical element in the devotional life. Sadly, too many see it as an exercise in getting God to go along with whatever is desired. I once heard it described as the “divine bellhop” approach. I would like to mention three points which seem important to me in considering prayer:
1) Prayer is relational. When I asked my friend Ray Stedman what it meant to have a personal relationship with Christ, he wrote, “Christ has a personality, is knowable, and has the qualities of love, care, and understanding.” When we talk with God, we are approaching Him through the person of Christ. We are able to talk with Him because we are accepted through Christ. Gratitude is a crucial part of this relationship. When I come to the person of Christ with a thankful heart I am much more prepared for the time. I come with open hands, not a shopping list.
2) Prayer is positional. I always think of prayer as a way of getting into proper tune with God like the orchestra tunes up. The musicians line up with A440; the Christian is in tune when he gets in the position of saying, “Not my will, but yours.” I find that I struggle until I can get to that point of relaxed comfort with God. I once spoke with a plumber who goes into tiny spaces. “Don’t you get claustrophobic? Before I crawl under the house, I get my body into a relaxed position and stay that way. If I don’t I get inflexible and seem to swell up.” When I find myself swelling up and becoming spiritual inflexible, I remember the position of letting go of my will.
3) Prayer is directional. Father Cavanaugh, President of Notre Dame, used to say to other leaders: “Be right.” Prayer is a great way to get our direction pointed right. When we are going the wrong way, prayer recalibrates our compass. My friend Steve Brown told me a man came to him asking for prayer. The topic? Whether he should give up his mistress or not. Steve told him to get lost. “Man, you and I both know you’re wrong and there is no need praying about it.” The witness of the Spirit lets us know when we are out in the weeds.
This week think about: 1) How has prayer changed me? 2) What is my definition of a personal relationship with Christ? 3) When is prayer most meaningful?
Words of Wisdom: “The witness of the Spirit lets us know when we are out in the weeds.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored.” (Matthew 6:9 NET Bible)