There are a couple things I want to get into before I dive into this post. The first being that it’s been a relatively busy two weeks with transferring paperwork and finals, so I’m sorry it’s been some time since my last post. The second being a review of the concepts this post explores, the first three values of the Super 8. In my first post I explained God to be a universal higher power, prayer to be an expression of the goodness of life, and faith to be belief or hope. This way, these concepts can apply to anyone.
One thing that I believe transcends all religions, or lack thereof, is prayer. I feel that people subconsciously turn to prayer no matter what they believe in, especially in times of difficulty and stress. These times, ironically enough, are filled with stress, anxiety, and emotion, and a lot of us are having trouble escaping those feelings. We don’t have a grasp on everything that is going on, and we don’t know where to find answers. To that I say, turn to the power of prayer.
Traditionally in times of trouble or tragedy our first comments and Tweets are “thoughts and prayers.” Everyone is so quick to say they’re praying for peace or praying for people, but what does this actually entail? Far too many times we find ourselves praying for what we want and not praying for what God wants.
One of the most notorious Bible verses, Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
It’s written many other times throughout the Bible that God has a plan for each of us. We find ourselves stressed and anxious when we lose sight of that plan and start concentrating on what we want. What do we pray for? Passing grades? A raise? Good health? A new car? That’s short sighted.
Start by praying in the present.
Thank God for what is already present in our lives. Thank Him for your teachers, your peers, your relationships. Thank Him for your home and your meals. Thank Him for your talents and abilities. Just say ‘thank you’ whenever you feel is right.
Pray for the future on God’s terms.
If you truly believe in His plan, or you truly believe that everything happens for a reason, praying on God’s terms relieves you of those stressors and anxieties of the future. If a loved one is struggling with their health, ask for healing in accordance with God’s plans. If you are seeking a promotion or opportunity, ask God for it on His terms. By putting the future into someone else’s hands, you are surrendering the outcome to what is meant to be. Instead of worrying about scenarios we can’t control, trust that there’s a plan. The loses in life are meant to be lessons.
It can be so easy to question these plans on a broad and general scale, especially when we focus on the mainstream negativity society broadcasts. I’m sure we have all had the thoughts like, “If there really was a God, why would THIS happen!?” That’s natural. But, God never promised us paradise on Earth, he promised us paradise when our time on Earth is up.
Pray for evil.
Often times with tragedy and heartbreak, there is a “bad guy,” for lack of a better term. Someone who lost control and strayed away from the path of light. Pray for them, too. And as hard as it may be, forgive them, because if they ask for forgiveness from God, he would grant that to them. We don’t have the final say, it’s not up to us to judge, and that includes even the most evil of people. I know that can be a hard pill to swallow.
Clear your own conscience in prayer.
Reconciliation is a sacrament to admit our faults and seek forgiveness, but we can still do this at any time. Through any mistake, sin or slip up – no matter the magnitude – we are said to be forgiven. Don’t be afraid to admit fault in prayer, because that too we relieve many internal emotions that we keep bottled up. Meditation has a similar effect.
Pray like we were told to.
Add in the Our Father. Or a Hail Mary. Or both, both never hurt. These are the baseline prayers that we were given. It’s like the teacher giving the answers to a test. Recite them, but don’t just say the words. Understand what they mean and keep that intention always.
Pray for what you don’t know.
This is a weird one, but I do it. I personally pray for my future wife and kids, and their health, even though I don’t know who they are yet. They’re out there, and God has/will have a plan for them, too. This works for many other scenarios because there are plenty of things God has lined up for you that you have no idea about in the moment. Acknowledging that is believing in the plan.
Whenever, wherever.
People traditionally like to have prayer schedules, but there’s no set time for these things. Prayers are fielded at every minute of every day. I prefer before bed, but there really is no wrong timing to sneak a prayer in here or there. Take it from Lamar:
I appreciate you guys, as always. Every day of this pandemic is one day closer to the end. There is a plan. Enjoy the positives. Keep the faith. Or as Lamar would say, “Truzz.”
Also, be sure to click that “Follow” button in the lower right hand corner for all updates and post notifications.
Until next time,
-B.F.
Super 8 