As may be best for us...

Sometimes it's hard to pray, especially when you think you know what someone needs and what would satisfy that need. Between my adult children whom I worry about all the time, and friends struggling with various issues, sometimes I sit helplessly in front of my prayer journal, unable to come up with cohesive thoughts and pleas.

I heard a prayer in church last week written by St. Chrysostom:

Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

"As may be best for us..."

That, in my mind, sums up the ultimate prayer of faith. Who am I to surmise that I know what's best for my friends, family members, even myself? I can look back at my life and see many times when I thought I knew what was best, and God gave me something different. In hindsight I know why... He knew what was best for me when I couldn't see past my own hurts and wants.

There was a time when I thought I knew all the answers to every situation, when I knew all the "right" things to pray. These days I find myself returning again and again to prayers that resemble St. Chrysostom's: "as may be best for us," more aware than ever that I don't always know what's best, even for myself. 

My prayer for you, for all of you, is that God would fulfill your desires and petitions as may be best for you. 

Blessings!

Niki

Niki Turner is a novelist, journalist, blogger, and the owner and editor of the Rio Blanco Herald Times weekly newspaper, one of the oldest continuously operating newspapers in Colorado.She is a co-blogger at www.inkwellinspirations.com, and president of her local ACFW chapter. Niki is a Colorado native who grew up in Glenwood Springs—home of the world’s largest hot springs pool. She married her high school sweetheart 26 years ago. They have four children, four grandchildren, and two West Highland White Terriers who are kind enough to take them for long walks.You can find all her new releases at www.nikiturner.net under BOOKS.