Do you find yourself turning to God more often when you are in trouble than when life is going smoothly? Don’t worry. You are not alone. In fact, you are in great company.
Author Anne Lamott wrote a wonderful book a few years ago titled, “Help, Thanks, Wow!” and in it, she explains that these are the three essential prayers we humans tend to offer … and really the only three that matter because they sum up all aspects of our relationship with God.
You see, God created us to be in relationship – with God and with each other – and if we are honest with ourselves, we most often reach out to others and to God when we are struggling. If you are anything like me, you may find it very hard to ask for help.
As a society, we pride ourselves on making it on our own and “pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps,” but when we do that we actually shut out others and cut off possibilities for closer connection. We may feel “better” for a moment if we pull through on our own, but we may also look back and wonder where our support people were in our darkest hour. Perhaps they were hovering on the outskirts waiting to be invited in.
Sometimes that’s how I think about God, as hovering around us just waiting to be invited in. Just waiting for us, with a catch in our throat, to squeak out the prayer, “Help.” And when we are truly in hot water – not the lovely hot tub kind in the picture – but the kind that threatens to pull us under, that is when we most need to feel God’s gentle presence scooping us up and helping us keep our head above water. This prayer for help, once answered, then easily leads us to “Thanks”.
Think back to a time when you were in need and a friend, or neighbor, or family member stepped in and offered just what you needed – before you even knew what that was. I bet you exhaled the word, “Thanks,” in an almost prayerful way. It can be that easy with God, too.
When God answers your prayer, or something wonderful or joyous happens in your life, pause and say, “Thanks” to God. Whether it is a big thing like getting a new job, or finding the love of your life, or a little thing like finding your favorite cookies on sale at the grocery store just say, “Thanks.” You’ll be amazed at the inner peace you will feel when you let gratitude fill your heart. And once you open your heart and mind to all the little ways you can be thankful, you will soon find yourself feeling awe at how God moves through this world and that can’t help but lead you to “Wow.”
What are the things in this world that make you say, “Wow?” I’d venture to guess that they are not really things of this world at all. Whenever we feel a “wow” it is usually prompted by something that strikes wonder or awe in our hearts … something we can’t quite explain or can’t quite create on our own: a stunningly beautiful sunset, the soft cry of a newborn baby, the way you feel when someone you love smiles at you and their love shines through their eyes. These truly awesome gifts come from God and when we experience them, a reverent “wow” often escapes our lips.
“Help.” “Thanks.” “Wow.” Three simple words – three entire prayers – and all of them stem from reaching out for help. Too often, we get hung up on how to pray, what words to use, and whether we should set time aside to do so. But all God wants is to hear from you. So the next time you are in hot water, cry out for help. It may just be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with God.
Athol Congregational Church, UCC, is a local community of faith that is “small enough to know you, large enough to serve.” We are currently celebrating “in-person” worship as well as offering Facebook livestream services under “Athol Congregational.” Our pastor and our members are available for conversation on our Athol Congregational Church Facebook page, and through private messages, and we would love to connect! We offer long-distance Reiki through our certified practitioners, are willing to pray with you whatever your need, and want to know you, whoever you are! 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol, MA 01331 978-249-6202. Rev. Dr. Candi Ashenden, Senior Pastor.