Prayer Changes
October 02, 2024
Reading: 1 Kings 3:5-15
On Monday evening, as I was working late in the church office, there was a ring at the doorbell. As our regular support groups were meeting that night, I thought perhaps it was someone running late. But when I opened the door, it was a young man, obviously quite nervous, who asked to pray with a pastor. He lived in the neighborhood, he said, and even though he did not attend the church, just needed to talk with someone. As we sat down and visited, he shared with me his anxiety about school starting the next day. He was beginning his freshman year and was struggling with making friends. He said he was afraid that all school year, he would be alone, with no one to talk to, like had happened last year. He just couldn’t take another year of that, and wondered if there was something wrong with him, that he could not make friends and keep them. We talked about why people do and say mean things to others, how much it hurts to feel alone, and how to walk toward healing. As I shared part of my own story of struggles in high school, and how I was ridiculed for my pimple strewn face and flat chest, I realized I don’t even remember those kids’ names who were so hurtful. And perhaps that is a blessing for both of us. Likely they have changed, as much as I have changed. For, as you get older, you have a different perspective, wiser understanding, a bigger picture to see of who and what is important in life. And it brings peace. I told this young man; it is likely you won’t even remember those bullies’ names 30 years from now. He smiled, and said, “I hope so,” and we prayed together. (And yes, of course, I invited him to our youth group on Sunday!)
I share this story with you to ask you to pray for this young man, as I have asked you to pray for all students returning to school this year. Some insecurities they are experiencing are universal, some struggles are based on current trends, but there is a lot of vulnerability and anxiety in our community this week, and I ask you to pray for peace for these students. Whether worrying about making a new friend or if they can keep up with their class loads, they are going through a lot. And they need the wisdom to be assured, this too will pass.
As we hear of Solomon’s prayer for wisdom in 1 Kings 3, we are reminded how this prayer for wisdom pleases God. It is a prayer based not on what we want, but on how our hearts are aligned with trusting God’s provision and protection in our lives. We may not know what that looks like today, tomorrow or 30 years from now, but with wisdom, we can find peace. May our students, and all of us have wisdom of knowing what we don’t have control over, how to manage our emotions, and trusting that God is at work for the good in our lives.
Peace and prayers for us all,
Pastor Alex
