An Urgent Conversation with God

During an adult Bible Class, the discussion turned to the meaning of prayer. “Ask, and it will be given to you … for everyone who asks, receives,” the pastor quoted from Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.” Then he asked the group whether they prayed regularly to God and, if so, what did they usually pray for. One person said that he prayed for continued good health. A woman answered, “Happiness.” Several said that they prayed for eternal salvation in the next world. But one older woman kept shaking her head when she heard these answers. When it came to her turn, she said, “It’s very simple. I believe in God, and what I pray for is that He believe in me.”

In sharp contrast to that woman’s approach, many years ago, in a book called “God and My Father,” author Clarence Day recalls his father’s attitude about prayer. He says …

“In moments of prayer, when he and God tried to commune with each other,…