In the musical Les Miserables a prayer is sung by the main character Jean Valjean who prays for the life of young Marius. The song is “Bring Him Home,” and it begins with the words, “God on high, hear my prayer, in my need, You have always been there.” The words capture perfectly the position we are all in when we come to God in prayer. It is a place of need. And while the prayer is a desperate plea for a wounded man, it is Valjean’s helplessness that transcends the scene into a majestic and moving moment on the stage.
There are a number of prayers in musicals and movies that are artistic representations of the nature of prayer. Fiddler on the Roof has “Sabbath Prayer,” Prince of Egypt, “Deliver Us,” and Joseph: King of Dreams, “You Know Better Than I.” “Day by Day,” from Godspell, features a girl who prays, “To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly.” The lyrics are so simple but get to the heart of being in relationship with God.
One prayer in a musical that tugs at my heart is “God Help the Outcasts” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The words speak the plight of the oppressed.
God help the outcasts, Hungry from birth
Show them the mercy They don't find on earth.
God help my people, We look to You still.
God help the outcasts, Or nobody will.
Sometimes the person who prays in these examples knows God, others aren’t sure if anyone is listening. Many of these help me to contemplate what prayer looks like in popular culture.
For comparison’s sake I looked at prayers in hymns or worship music. “Be Thou My Vision,” “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” and “I Will Wait for You” are some that help me focus on God. “Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.”
Yet when I actually think about my prayer life, I recognize more than just focus is needed. I love to pray – by myself, with others, in the car, when something makes me angry, when I don’t know what to think. I find myself eager to pray, ready to commit to prayer, but somewhat lacking in consistent prayer. Might you experience that as well? Is it time for a prayer life reboot?
Consider the following suggestions:
My cousin, who is a missionary in Paraguay, often prays scripture over people. Another practice she uses is to begin by reading from a passage about the throne of heaven and then she pictures her prayers entering into the presence of God with Jesus interceding on her behalf. I find this image beautiful and compelling. It makes me desire His intercession.
Another source encouraged me to turn to God in humility, and on my knees. But also to not be afraid to throw my cares at Him, fully unloading any frustrations or disappointments. He recommends praying aloud, suggesting that the physical posture of prayer and the vocalizing of our thoughts develops a more robust interaction with God. These recommendations challenge me to step out of my comfort zone.
We are given examples of prayer everywhere in God’s Word. Hannah prayed for a child then followed with a prayer of praise. Solomon prayed for discernment. Jesus prayed for surrender, Daniel prayed for forgiveness. David’s prayers were courageous, often angry, always real. Others prayed for protection and deliverance. Read any of the prayers in the Bible and meditate on what can be learned.
Countless resources are available to refresh your prayer life. Philip Yancey’s book Prayer, Does it Make Any Difference? is loaded with practical tips and thoughtful encouragement.
I’d like to pray more effectively, more fearlessly, more courageously. But the important thing is to pray and develop it into a spiritual discipline. That sounds rather formal. In essence it is the practice of inviting God into our world and preserving time with Him. And what better time to think about committing to improving our relationship with God than the start of this new year.
So let’s begin with prayer.
A Prayer for Today
Thank You, Lord, for listening to my prayer. Thank You for being my Redeemer and Healer. Help me to dedicate time to be in Your presence.
I confess weakness in following You and a heart full of pride. Forgive me for my selfishness. Shape me into the daughter You wish me to be.
Lord, You know all of our struggles. I ask for You to comfort, grant peace, restore relationships, provide healing and encouragement to each according to their need. Awaken me to places I can serve those in need.
I plead for the lost and the prodigals. Pursue them with Your love. Open hearts to Your salvation. Give me a passion to live and share my faith humbly and gently.
The world around us seems to be overwhelmed by evil. Deliver us from the powers of darkness. Bring peace to embattled countries, neighborhoods, homes. Raise up leaders who have integrity. Train up a church devoted to You. Help your people to be the church that answers Your call.
Give us the strength and wisdom to remain faithful. Give us the courage to love a broken world. Amen.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Linnea Tideman has always enjoyed sharing stories. Her childhood in New Hampshire and her Swedish heritage have provided her with a wealth of experiences, but also the foundation of her faith. She enjoys creative projects, travel, books, sewing, gardening, but most of all hospitality, often hosting fancy teas and occasionally something grand like recreating dinner on the Titanic. She serves the UrbanPromise and Good Neighbors ministries. Linnea lives in Landenberg with her husband Dave. They have three grown daughters. She hopes that her writing reflects how God continues to reveal Himself to us as our shepherd and Savior.
NEW WOMEN’S GROUPS ARE STARTING
There’s a great quote by Jen Wilkin, bible teacher and author: “We must make a study of our God: what he loves, what he hates, how he speaks and acts. We cannot imitate a God whose features and habits we have never learned. We must make a study of him if we want to become like him. We must seek his face.”
Our goal in our women's groups, as we study God's word, is to be more like Jesus. It takes time and accountability and friends to do it with. Will you join us? It just may be the best decision you make in 2023! Check out our new winter groups for women HERE. Please register by January 6 so we have plenty of materials. Please let me know if you have any questions figuring out the best group for you this winter. I'm happy to help get you connected!
Carole Hoy
Women's and Groups' Pastor, Willowdale Chapel
choy@willowdalechapel.org