We live in a world full of need-for healing, for justice, for meaning, for truth, for food and medicine, for inclusion, and for love. Theologian Walter Wink reminds us that, as we allow ourselves to become aware of these overwhelming needs, they move through our minds and hearts. They are, however, impossible for us to fix. All we can do is send all of them to God in prayer. Then, we let them go, trusting God to be God. And God sends back to each of us the particular dimension of need and possibility that exactly corresponds to our unique identity and giftedness-the need that's got our name on it (Walter Wink, The Powers that Be, 184.)

Why, then, should we pray? Prayer is the power of being connected with God that can change the world. We pray to feel connected to God and also to make a difference in life. We help bring the Kingdom of God from invisible to visible reality. It happens little by little through individual people of faith. God acts when we open the space. Praying, then, is inseparable from doing, and doing is inseparable from praying. The results of praying are growth and transformation. For individuals, praying brings transformation and spiritual growth. For humanity, prayer brings social transformation and reform.

(The preceding is a selection from my new book Finding Faith:

Honest Answers about God, the Bible, and the Church Today.)

Thanks for continuing to bless me as we journey together.
  
Jack Price

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