By: The Rev. Russell E. J. Martin

I am sad to share this, but sometimes I treat prayer as a last resort. It is a strange way to think of prayer but the fact is I usually offer my help before I offer to pray. Someone will come to me with a need or a problem and I will inevitably offer advice first. It is not that good counsel is a bad thing, but prayer is far more effective. Yet, I treat it like the last resort when it should be the first. In my defense, I do pray but I am disturbed by my human and perhaps masculine inclination to solve problems first.

Prayer should always be our first step. In solving problem or in giving counsel, prayer opens the door for the dynamic presence and work of God. When my counsel is limited and my human ability to solve is in question, our Father is a reservoir of help. Prayer brings the water of life to our lips.

There are three basic answers to prayer. They are yes, no and not yet. Often when praying for the sick, the answer is not yet. Ultimately, we will all be healed. It might take being in heaven to fully receive the healing we desire. In these instances we must understand that our prayers over and for the sick or whoever are in need, are an expression of God’s love flowing through us. So, offer biblical advice, and solve problems, but first pray. When we do this God is glorified.