Prayer is how we officially converse
with the majestic King of the universe.
From castle grand or house of sod,
Prayer lets us commune with our God.
To glorify Him Who loves us all;
thank Him for favors large and small.

To ask for patience and strength sustain
for trials ahead - to accept pain.
Prayers are used to seek support
for our endeavors - why, even sport.
For favors we felt we should have won,
to confess sins and seek pardon.

Why then does church exist at all,
if God hears each, both great and small?
Ah, my friend - it’s all God’s plan
to encourage man to join with man.
What one cannot do alone, a group devoted
can move the Earth, as Jesus noted.

Church-going He gives us as a tool
to encourage compliance with Golden Rule.
To inspire people to work together
for works or good, or even better,
to help our neighbors sate daily needs,
or support missions to do good deeds.

In church our prayers join one with all
to present God with a combined call.
United worship transcends self-wishing,
to “enhance my game”, or improve fishing.
Jesus ignores not such minor woe,
remember, His answer is sometimes no.

Prayer, to give us this or forbear us that.
is even used by the bureaucrat
to open meetings; and for great display,
our leaders clasp their hands and pray.
But elsewhere, no child at any time
shall clasp hands in public, for that’s a crime.

There are many reasons that we pray
for things we want or have go away.
All emotions are present here,
love, hate, happiness and fear.
Prayer’s used to sanctify and dedicate,
to change our course - avoid our fate.

We pray to tell God how glad we feel,
we pray Him to bless our evening meal.
But most of all, I think of Prayer
as hugging Heaven; fetching it here.
So that at least for a little while,
we enjoy the Grace of Jesus’ smile.

❀