Let us lift up our hearts as well as our hands to God in heaven. Lamentations 3:41 

Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. James 5:13

Prayer can be thought of as a conversation with God. Just like with our friends, sometimes we are in contact a lot, sometimes we don’t talk for a long time. How often do we pray to God? Unlike friends, who might get upset if we don’t stay in contact with them consistently, God is patient and always ready to listen to our prayers. In the midst of Lamentations, a book where there is a lot of lamenting, the writer urges us to lift up our hearts and hands to God. Our whole being can be involved in prayer.

Whether suffering, in trouble, unhappy, or cheerful and happy, we can pray and praise God.

In times of suffering or trouble, we might feel very alone – we can pray as an old verse says:

“Prayer is the burden of a sigh,

The falling of a tear,

The upward glancing of an eye,

When none but God is near.”

It can help to read some of the Psalms that fit this situation:

Psalm 50:15
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me."

In times of joy we can sing praises to God, and thank Him. Lots of Psalms for this too.

Psalm 95:2
Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song.

God is always ready to be in a personal relationship with us. Waiting patiently for our prayers for help, to listen to our troubles, and to hear our praises.

Creator of community, help us to  gratefully and easily reach out to one another in joy and in suffering. It is so comforting to know we are not alone. We pray, we sing, we extend care to and for one another. When we lift our hearts and hands to you, may we remember to extend our hearts and hands to those around us, and remember that love is our web of life. In that love, we praise you and give you thanks. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party