Praying the alphabet

A mom walked by her daughter’s bedroom as she was saying her nightly prayers. Mom heard her praying the alphabet. When she finished she asked her why she was just saying the letters of the alphabet. She respectfully answered her mom, “I don’t know what to pray for, so I knew I could just give God the letters and he would put the right words together.”

Her answer showed a lot of wisdom, and I’m sure at times, we’ve all felt this way. Often people try to make prayer something only fancy, high paid, religious people can do for others.

But in reality prayer is just talking to God. Just like a conversation the two of us would have out on the sidewalk in front of the newspaper office. You don’t have to be on your knees. You don’t have to be wearing special clothing. You don’t have to be on a church property.

God has created the relationship of prayer between a human and Himself to be so intimate that we can even think the thoughts in our head and He knows what we are praying. The words don’t even have to be spoken out loud.

There are many prayers recorded in the Bible. Even the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. That’s where we get what is called “The Lord’s Prayer.” But in reality it was a tool to teach the disciples to just “talk” to God. 

First of all, it’s always good to show respect and honor to God. I’m a firm believer in being honest with God. (He knows my heart anyway, so if I’m upset, I might as well admit it.) But usually by the time I’ve poured out my questions and heartache before the Lord, I usually admit in tears that He is the Almighty, Most Holy God and I trust Him. I understand that He does what is best for me —  even when I can’t understand and agree at that moment.

This time of year, we think back to the uncertainty of Mary and Joseph. The Chosen’s episode of the birth of Jesus reminded me how young and inexperienced the two young people were. And they had front row seats to the birth of a king —  yet in a dirty stable. It’s very likely Joseph had to shovel the manure out of the way to make a place for Mary to lay down to give birth. And this young couple had not been intimate yet, so giving birth as a team had to be very embarrassing and difficult yet necessary for them. 

The Bible records the thoughts of Mary’s, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And Holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation …”

What an awkward position these young people were placed in, but they knew it was God’s plan. They were scared, yet honored to have a part in the event which had been prophesied about for thousands of years. 

The book of Job records many prayers and conversations Job had with God about his circumstances. King David records many of his prayers in the book of Psalms. We can even read some of the conversations Moses and Elijah had with God. 

So whatever heartache you are currently facing, know that God wants to listen and He does understand. Trust Him with your heart. You will get an answer to your prayer … it may or may not be the answer you wanted. When you give your heart to Jesus, you never have to face anything alone again. “I will never leave you or forsake you,” is just one promise He makes to His followers. The Bible is full of more promises that He can not break. So start a conversation with Jesus today and you’ll never be sorry. And when your heart hurts so much you can’t form the words —  Jesus can put the letters together.