Weekly Thought – September 2, 2025
(On September 1, 1915 Fred was born to Mathew Bunyan and Amye Smith 110 years ago.)
Fred demonstrated the power of prayer. He believed in it and practiced it diligently. Prayer was also very private for him. A lifetime memory for his children is seeing him on his knees beside their bed before sleep. He faithfully followed the habit taught by his parents. The image of humility was permanently affixed. Mary Alice carefully noted her earnest requests for her family, their safety, their security, and their “sanctification.”
Entering the Throne Room
Prayer is both marvelous and mysterious. How marvelous hat a sinner saved by grace can at any time commune with the Lord Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. In the night when I awake and am tempted by frustration, it is so comforting to be able to talk to the Lord about it.
I am not alone in my experience. One of the psychiatrists who helped select the first astronauts told me how they tested them in total isolation seeing how much they could withstand. He said some could go indefinitely, and when they examined them, they found that they were the ones who could pray. If we would only realize our opportunity for direct communication with the Lord, how much more we would do it.
I have found expressing gratitude to God gives me great satisfaction. Surprisingly, I have also found it has increased my self-respect. It is so much easier to live with myself as a person who is grateful, rather than a complainer and whiner.
Mysterious is the nature of intercessory prayer. How can my request impact God’s love for others? Yet we are instructed to pray for one another. Realistically, I would be frustrated if I could not pray for others when I feel there is nothing else I can do for them. Often people will say, “At least I can pray for you.” I always want to remind them praying is the most they can do for me.
I have never felt that the number of people praying for a person or situation is the vital point. I do not think God is a politician who is swayed by numbers or polls. And I definitely do not believe God is impressed with celebrity. Thinking getting famous Christians on your prayer team doesn’t get your request moved to the top of the pile. I remember the widow whose life was terrifically limited, but all of us wanted her to pray because we knew she had suffered hardship, and deprivation while trusting wholly in God.
When we say, “I will be praying for you” it is a serious commitment. Promising to join the company and community of the committed through prayer is entering into the mystery of the faith. Voicing the willingness to join with others around the throne is speaking the intention of sharing the marvelous and mysterious presence on behalf of another.
This week carefully consider: 1) How real is prayer for me? 2) Who has asked me to pray for them? 3) What does my prayer list look like?
Words of Wisdom: “I have found expressing gratitude to God gives me great satisfaction.”
Wisdom from the Word: “When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NET Bible)