A lesson in faith: Is prayer practical?

This is what happens when you take a class on faith . . .

I was praying last night as I was trying to fall asleep. Well, I wasn't praying as much as I was fussing at God about what seems like an impossible situation.

He said "pray."

I fussed some more.

He said "pray."

It wasn't something He hadn't told me before. I fussed some more.

He said "pray."

I finally replied, "but that's not practical!"

Yikes! My response startled me.

I'm practical. I like the practical. I don't like things like "press in deeper into worship." How? I want step-by-step. How do you press in deeper into worship? You focus on the words; you choose to physically engage yourself (raise your hands); you close your eyes to remove distractions...I could go on and on. I'm a practical girl.

Last night I was frustrated at not knowing what steps to do and yet God has made it very clear that my step is prayer. I responded out of desperation and felt like that that wasn't enough. I didn't even know what to pray, what to say as it really seems like an impossible situation.

My feeling last night lead me down a startling road. God said pray...that is my practical step. I must pray.

Is prayer practical? When I look at my life and what prayer has done (all I have to do is think about my miracle Jacob who came 10-weeks early!), it makes me want to scream YES, but in the middle of something all I can muster is a somber, quiet yes.

My lack of faith, especially after a class on faith just a few hours before, was saddening. Who am I to question God, Who sees and knows EVERYTHING, on what He has asked me to do. I asked for steps and He gave them to me...pray!

I fell asleep still startled at my outburst. I woke up this morning humbled that in spite of my lack of faith, God still pours out His grace to me.

His answer this morning was still the same "pray." So I pray and wait and pray and wait. I look back on what He has done in my life and know in my deepest parts that it is He Who works all things according to His purpose and plan...it is He Who has a hope and a future for me...it is He Whom has proven Himself trustworthy.

I know I need more faith...I asked for more faith...I had an opportunity to look my lack of faith square in the eyes...I ask for more faith and I move forward. I have my marching orders...pray and so I pray.

Is prayer practical? What a silly question! Of course it is!!!