Monday, April 21, 2008

Praying- when it doesn't seem like it's working . . .

This is a quote by Harold Kushner, who wrote Why Bad Things Happen to Good People:

God doesn't control everything. God doesn't control and suspend the laws of nature and God doesn't make sure that human beings only do what God wants them to do. Once I realized that God was a God of love and not a God of total power, everything fell into place. Now when I pray to God, I don't bargain, I don't ask, "What can I do for you God, so you'll do this for me?" I don't try to persuade God that I deserve to be given whatever it is I need or want. All I say is, "God, this is a time when I need you. I just need to know I am not alone." This sort of prayer never fails me.

6 comments:

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

This is a great post and such a helpful reminder. The concept of praying so that God can be with us in our need helped me a lot when I was learning to accept that we wouldn't have children.

BTW, thanks for visiting my blog. I agree with you. We do seem to have some things in common. I hope you'll stop by again.

bonnie said...

I'll be back Diane. I don't know what to say. That was so nice, but I don't want my comment to sound sugary. It WAS very nice to read this. I'm feeling sad tonight so I think reading your post is good for me.

Moohaa said...

It's hard for some to understand Free Will. But we have it and God is there watching us and loving us always, waiting for us to cry out to Him.

Big hugs!

I love that pic of the river. I'm a huge fan of bridges and that one is really neat looking!

Happyone said...

I agree with your post!
I pray throughout the day. It's more like just talking to God for me. It gives me a good feeling knowing He is there with me in all that I do each day.

Lena said...

I read that book years ago, so your post was a great reminder. Thank you for that.

Lena

Raven said...

Great quote. Profound truth.