Oh What A Difference Prayer Makes

Reflections on prayer by Cathy Letkeman

Oh, what a difference prayer makes.
When will I realize just how little breath it takes
To turn my anxious thoughts and sighs
Into prayers?
There can be no earthly doubt
That my Father hears each whispered shout
Though no words may pass my lips
He knows my cares
He waits in loving silence as I fret, and frown
And simply drown
Trying to keep my world afloat
He sees my fear
Longing to take my hand,
and put my feet back on dry land
and whisper to my storm-tossed heart
“I’m here”
Here to take my burdens from me,
share my grief, and simply love me
Here to give me wisdom
And relief
Joy, and peace, and understanding
Strength, to meet what life’s demanding
Faith and hope
to nurture my belief
that angels wait with bated breath
to fight my battles, and remind Death,
that it has no hold, eternal life is mine
because of Christ’s victory o’er the Grave
The Spirit whispers, “Child, be brave
and know you share in all that is divine”
And then when I am finally silent
When my heart and mind are quiet, and still
I can hear gentle reproof in tones of grace

He calls me back from restless wandering
Turns my thoughts from self, and sin
And brings my gaze to rest upon His face
And it’s there
In that quiet place
Resting in His wondrous grace
That I marvel at how little breath it takes
To turn my anxious thoughts and sighs
Worries, complaints and heartfelt cries
To peace that silences the enemy’s lies
Oh, what a difference prayer makes.