To the Editor:

Below is a poem by Grace L. Naessens after which I will comment.

THE DIFFERENCE

I woke up early one morning,

And rushed right into the day.

I had so much to accomplish,

That I didn’t have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,

And heavier came each task.

“Why doesn’t God help me? ” I wondered.

He answered, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy and beauty,

But the day toiled on, grey and bleak.

I wondered why God didn’t show me.

He said, “that you didn’t seek.”

I tried to come into God’s presence.

I used all my keys at the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided,

My child you didn’t knock.”

I woke up early this morning.

And paused before entering the day.

I had so much to accomplish

That I had to take time to pray.

Although this poem was written over 80 years ago, it’s ever so appropriate now. Numerous things compete for our attention. Life consumes our free time in multiple ways like home tasks and work that there seems to be not enough hours in a day. Remember this: A little bit of God goes a long way. Call it “life happens” insurance. God will help you navigate through it. So take some time to prepare for your journey as you pursue this week. God hears the prayers of both believers and non-believers, but a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ is essential for experiencing the fullness of answered prayer and the blessings associated with that relationship.

Four helpful points:

1. The Bible says that God answers the prayers of those who don’t yet know Him. Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

2. Being “born again,” or having a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, is foundational to experiencing the fullness of answered prayer in accordance with His will.

3. Sin hinders prayers. Confess any and all sin.

4. God answers prayers in different ways even for believers. It might be with a “yes,” a “no,” or even a “wait.”

The “born again” experience is about entering into a relationship with God which deepens one’s connection and understanding of answered prayer. Why? Because God knows a person’s heart.

Marilyn Sager

Houghton