Have you ever used, or heard someone say, the phrases, “Just take my word for it,” or “Cross my heart”? We use expressions like these when we want someone to believe us, to believe our words. Whether the words that follow are actually true or not, the intention is the same: to convince another person that our words carry weight and should be trusted.
Words shape so much of our lives, but perhaps nowhere are they more significant than in prayer. Sometimes our conversations with God are filled with thanksgiving and joy. Other times they are marked by frustration, confusion, grief, or even anger. Whatever fills our hearts, God welcomes us to bring it before Him. Prayer was never meant to be a one-sided speech; it is an ongoing conversation with our heavenly Father. We speak, but we also learn to listen.
Recently, God has been reminding me of this truth through the faithful example of others. While visiting my mom in South Mississippi, I once again noticed the Bible that always rests open on her kitchen table. This time I asked about it, and she shared how she reads Scripture and prays through it each day. Some months ago, Michael, my son-in-law, gifted me a set of prayer beads, which I now keep in my car as a visual reminder of God listening to me. Before anyone dismisses the idea, let me say they have become something deeply meaningful, not because they possess any mystical power, but because every time I see them I am reminded that approaching God as His child is something sacred, never flippant. Then, just recently, I was given copies of pages from my Granny’s prayer journal. There, written in her own hand, were prayers for her family, with every grandchild listed by name, including mine. I’m not going to lie; it was a powerful moment to realize someone had faithfully written down and spoken my name before the throne of God.
So perhaps the question for all of us is this: How much do we truly believe that our words, offered in prayer, matter? Psalm 119 gives us a beautiful answer.
Your word is a lantern to my feet
and a light upon my path.
I have sworn and am determined
to keep your righteous judgments.
I am deeply troubled;
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.
Accept, O Lord, the willing tribute of my lips,
and teach me your judgments.
My life is always in my hand,
yet I do not forget your law.
The wicked have set a trap for me,
but I have not strayed from your commandments.
Your decrees are my inheritance for ever;
truly, they are the joy of my heart.
I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes
for ever and to the end.
—Psalm 119:105-1121
I once heard about a recording session where a musician was asked to open the day in prayer. His reply was something like, “Well, I could, but I’m not sure I want to startle the Savior with the sound of my voice.” I’ve wanted to chuckle at his response, but it can be easy to get out of habit of conversing with God. I’m also reminded of how often we hesitate to speak honestly with God. Yet Scripture consistently tells us that our words matter. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” The God who spoke creation into existence in Genesis still invites us into conversation today. He is neither intimidated by our weakness nor wearied by our questions. He welcomes our praise, our doubts, our tears, and our thanksgiving. And if we will slow down long enough, I believe we will discover that He is speaking every day as well.
“Part of prayer is contemplation—not just talking, but listening. Prayer, ultimately, becomes a lot more about being in God’s presence than it does about anything else.”
—Fr. Thomas McKenzie
Perhaps this week you might begin a simple practice. You could be like my Granny and write out your prayers. You might follow my son-in-law’s example by giving someone a meaningful reminder of the importance of prayer. Or perhaps you’ll be like my mom and begin praying directly through the pages of Scripture. The method is far less important than the habit itself. God stands ready to receive your prayers, whether they feel polished or clumsy, whether they are whispered in joy or cried out through tears.
Speak those words: words of blessing, words of confusion, words of gratefulness, or words of sadness. However they come, your Father is ready to listen.
O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
—Book of Common Prayer2
Luke Gambill 