Pray for Tomorrow

Originally published in The Way on November 18, 1941.

Prayer has always been the consolation of individuals. We do not give this much thought when all is well around us, but we realize it soon enough when trouble visits us.

In trouble we turn to God and turning to God we turn to prayer for it seems to lift our hearts above our tribulations. Since prayer is nothing less than conversation with God, this reaction is but natural.

Yes, the reaction is natural, but our behavior is odd! Do we converse with our friends only when we are in trouble? Do we talk to them only when we want something from them? No, we talk to them constantly. Why then do we pray only when we are in need? God is our greatest friend. He is our greatest Benefactor.

Prayer is necessary. Christ spent much of His life instructing men in the need of prayer and in the manner in which prayer could be made. He gave the example of almost ceaseless prayer, beginning all His important actions with prayer, and coupling work with prayer in an uninterrupted union.

The power of prayer is great. It was expressed by Christ in the magnificent promise: “Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you. Ask and you shall receive.”

The power of prayer is so great, the fate of tomorrow so uncertain! Pray every day, pray for tomorrow. Pray constantly for we have offended God and must ask His forgiveness. We are deep in God’s debt for the blessings He has given us; we must constantly thank Him. We are surrounded by pressing needs which only God can supply, exposed to dangers from which only God can guard us. Our fate of tomorrow lies in the hands of God, let us pray for this tomorrow and not wait for tomorrow’s misfortune to fall upon us before we turn to prayer.