The Art of Prayer

      Prayer, to me, is an art, but at the same time isn't. It definitely takes practice and consistency. But, it is in no way reserved for the "skillful". It is an art in the sheer beauty of the action, in remembering the relationship each and every one of us have with our Heavenly Father. He is OUR FATHER. The fact that we can speak, plead, and express gratitude with a Divine Being is often overlooked. It is not something to take lightly, for it is so much more than talking to emptiness. We have a Heavenly Father listening to our every word, pleading with us to ask Him for help. His hand is always out, reaching for us, lifting us up after we fall, if we would only reach for Him too. He is there. He is listening. Never forget, in sin, sickness, pain, loss, success, love, and triumph, to pray. Because He will never forget to listen and answer. 

I thought I'd share one of my favorite poems. I hope you enjoy it. 

The “Praying Hands” are much, much more than just a work of art;

They are the soul’s creation of a deeply thankful heart—

They are a priceless Masterpiece that love alone could paint,

And they reveal the selflessness of an unheralded saint.

These hands, so scarred and toilworn, tell the story of a man

Who sacrificed his talent in accordance with God’s plan—

For in God’s plan are many things man cannot understand,

But we must trust God’s judgment and be guided by His Hand.

Sometimes He asks us to give up our dreams of happiness,

Sometimes we must forego our hopes of fortune and success.

Not all of us can triumph or rise to heights of fame,

And many times what should be ours, goes to another name—

But he who makes a sacrifice, so another may succeed,

Is indeed a true disciple of our blessed Savior’s creed—

For when we give ourselves away in sacrifice and love,

We are laying up rich treasures in God’s kingdom up above—

And hidden in gnarled, toilworn hands is the truest art of living

Achieved alone by those who’ve learned the victory of giving;

For any sacrifice on earth made in the dear Lord’s name,

Assures the giver of a place in Heaven’s Hall of Fame—

And who can say with certainty where the greatest talent lies,

Or who will be the greatest in our Heavenly Father’s eyes!

—Helen Steiner Rice