This has been a remarkable year. I’ve seen numerous memes about “restarts,” “starting a new calendar,” “wiping the hard drive,” “doing a system reboot.” You get my drift … and Prayers … people are praying for everything: end to the pandemic, stopping wildfires, feeding the world, healthcare, hurricanes, killer hornets, families, friends, the sick, the dying, first responders, the economy, global warming … and the list grows daily. And, in all our good intentions and our faith grounded in prayer, are we stopping and Listening to what God’s answer is?

I am reminded of the sentiment that the needs of the world are overwhelming. I also hear God saying to me when I am overwhelmed, no one can do it all, but everyone can do something. When we are surrounded and suffocating by everything going on, take the time to pray but more importantly take the time to LISTEN to God’s response.

Pray for control of the pandemic. Then listen…
God has given the world amazing researchers, intelligent physicians, leaders, science, as a way to control the pandemic. Listen, and share what you learn.

Pray for the hungry. Then listen….
Does the food pantry need help? Does your neighbor need groceries?
Does the Hope Center need fruit cups?
Does the man on the street, scrounging for a discarded cigarette, need $5 for a meal?
Can you send $10 overseas to buy food?

Pray for the sick. Then listen….. The answer is not always instant healing.

Thoughts and prayers are great, but have you told someone that you are praying for them? Have you offered to spend an hour with them? Can you offer a reprieve to an overwhelmed family?

I’m sure you can put together a list for each prayer you pray. But the important message is to listen to what God’s answer is for you.

It may be a sense of comfort that you feel as God enters your heart.
It may be a sense of hope that you feel, when your prayer doesn’t seem to have been answered … but suddenly there is a light in the darkness.
It may be the sudden urge to involve yourself in a food drive, or accept a leadership position, or help a refugee.
It may be the determination that from now on, you will reduce your carbon footprint to help with global warming.

It may be “the wink” that God sends when someone who is right in front of you needs you at that moment…LISTEN!!

Dear Lord, as you have heard me, so may I hear you. Amen.

Kathy Williams
Volunteer