Daily Power #140

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. (Eph. 3:12 ESV)

My mom is an amazing lady who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She was in the hospital a number of years ago and was about to go into surgery. I had come to be with her and could tell she was nervous. Shortly before it was time for her operation, a hospital chaplain stopped by and asked if she would like him to pray with her.

“I’m so glad you’re here! Yes, please pray with me!” Mom said.

“What’s your religious preference?” asked the chaplain.

“Christian,” she said.

“And denomination?” the chaplain continued.

“Well, I’m not hung up on denomination—I’m just a Christian.”

The chaplain smiled and said, “Ma’am, in order to pray with you, I need to know your specific denomination—what kind of church did you grow up in?”

Mom and I were both confused. She said, “I grew up in the Methodist Church.”

“Great! Give me one second.” And he whipped out his little prayer book, turned to the table of contents, apparently found the appropriate Methodist prayer, and started reading. “Dear God, I pray for—”

“Wait, wait, wait!” Mom interrupted. “Get this guy out of here and get me someone who knows how to pray their own prayers!”

I might’ve been embarrassed if I hadn’t been so busy laughing!

Mom knew that we can pray boldly just by being ourselves. We don’t have to have it written out or read it from a prayer book. Bold prayers come from the heart.

Power Lift

Today, Lord, I want others to see how much I love you. Give me the courage and strength to step out on my own, knowing that you provide the words I’ll need. I don’t have to rely on anyone else’s.