More than Prayer

Sometimes, prayer isn't enough.

This is an idea that I've been learning for several years now (I'm a slow learner). At one point in my life, I would've considered this statement heresy. After all, prayer is powerful, prayer is our communication with Mighty God, prayer is... everything.

But, sometimes it isn't.

I've come to grasp the idea that prayer should be our FIRST response to any situation, but - more often that I have realized in the past - it is usually not the LAST response. It is often not the ONLY response.

First, we pray.
Then, we listen.
Then, we ACT.

There are differing amounts of time that pass between each of these steps, and we are wise not to rush the process. However, more often in my own life, I'm not guilty of rushing the process, I'm guilty of stifling it. I'm guilty of stopping at step one... Saying a heartfelt prayer for someone, checking that off my list, and then getting on with my life.

Shame on me. How many opportunities have I missed by not taking the time to listen and then act on someone else's behalf? I would be ashamed to know.

"...let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." 1 John 3:18