06/02/2026
June Rector Reflection:
"What does it mean to pray?"
In a recent conversation this question was posed to me. It is a fantastic question. How would you answer it?
Over the years I heard prayer described as: "Talking to God and listening to God"; "Asking God for what you need and/or what another person might need"; "Asking to know God's will and guidance in a particular matter"; "Giving thanks to God"; Acknowledging the Christian claim that God loves you. Indeed.... All these are prayers. Moreover, in true Anglican fashion I might also answer... Yes, all this and more!
Essential in the practice of prayer is believing that God (a divine being, wholly 'other' in nature than any creature or created thing) really does exist and is deeply interested in YOU as one of an infinite number of things that has been created.
Prayer is not just repeating words, it is not only asking for things. Prayer is a living and ongoing conversation/relationship with a divine being who (if the revelation of Scripture is true ...) is constantly reaching out to each of us desiring what is best and what is the most life giving for us. Even Jesus had to help the disciples to understand God's desire.
Remember these words from Matthew 7:7-11...
"‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are sinners, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"
and remember from Isaiah 55:6-7....
"Seek the Lord while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked abandon his ways,
And the unrighteous person his thoughts;
And let him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon."
And Psalm 105:4-5...
"Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
Remember His wonders which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments spoken by His mouth..."
and finally Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of need."
What is your practice of prayer? Do you know that the Lover of our souls is delighted whenever we turn our hearts heavenward and cry out for what we need or simply to offer thanks for the wonder of being alive? Take some time today and pray. Pray in confidence that the One who made you is listening and knows your deepest need. Trust that God will answer your prayer and you will wind up knowing more of God's character and love.
"Pastor, do you really believe this?" Yes. Yes, I do. I have staked my whole life on this primary relationship and the truth of God's love.
See you in Church! Patti+
