Several weeks ago, in this column, I suggested that during these times that we are experiencing, and any time for that matter, we should consider more laughter, more love, and more prayer.

The subject this week is “prayer.” Oh why, oh why did I suggest such a complex and personal subject, anyway? To say that I have struggled with putting this column together is the truth. I suggest that each of us try to summarize this subject in about 700 words. You will quickly understand what I mean.

But, as I am reading, and researching, I come to the same conclusion. We must pray, and we must understand that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. He loves us, and He has a plan for each of us. He has answers, but we just forget to ask.

When I look at an ant pile, with all those scurrying workers running busily to do their job as ants, I think of us. Well, actually, I think of me. Running here and there, doing this and that with my head down like those ants, thinking what I am doing must be done now! Then I remember, “Oh! God, I forgot about you!” I look up! It’s an entirely different perspective.

When we are busy scurrying, we are doing our own thing. After running in circles emotionally and physically, we come to realize it’s fruitless. We are relieved to finally acknowledge that we can’t do very much without fellowship with God. 

After all, that’s what prayer is. Communicating. Talking to God. 

Here’s a few varied statements of different prayer perspectives that I found. Some are funny, some are more serious. Hope you relate.

“If you only pray when you’re in trouble, you’re in trouble.” 

“So, when we pray, it’s a wonderful feeling when God shows up just in time, but the best feeling is when you realize He never left you.” 

“And when you can’t put your prayer into words, God hears your heart.”

“Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their boots, that way when you criticize them, you’re a mile away, and you have their boots.”

A kid: “Dear God, I want to be just like my daddy when I grow up, but not with so much hair.” Sam.

“Lord, grant me the ability to forgive myself for past stumbles and falls, to correct what I can, and accept what I can’t, and the wisdom and courage to try again, this time a bit wiser.”

“Dear God, please put your arm over my shoulder, and your hand over my mouth.”

“Sometimes I just look up and smile, and say, I know that was You. Thank you.”

And here’s a few places you can look up your own assurances. 

When you are stressed: John 14:27

When you are sad:  Psalm 147:3

When you are happy: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When you are anxious: Philippians 4:6-7 

When you are discouraged: Joshua 1:9

I hope these help you, and that we can pray this situation through to a healthy, happy, stable country. In the meantime, remember the ants! 

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at juditabler@gmail.com or juditabler@awomansview.