Some people scoff at the mention of prayer
The skeptics will say it's poor taste
And they laugh at those 'childish' believers
They claim that it's naught but a waste.





While others want people to notice
Whenever they offer a prayer
Like Pharisees beating their chests when they pray
Making certain that all are aware.





I believe that prayer is a discourse with God
By solitude or other quiet way
To chat with God and believe He hears
And listens to all that I say.





My prayer I will never allow to contain
A plea for material wealth
But I might ask for me and for others
Some help in maintaining good health.





If my prayers to some may seem childish
Then childish I'm happy to be
For there is, I know, in the presence of God
No greater a child than Me.





I can pray when I drive on the freeway
In the midst of a crowd or alone
On a mountaintop or in a cathedra
What I'm saying to God will be known.





What I seek most of all in my prayers
Is the power to cope well with life
The strength to meet everything coming my way-
Success and failure, heartaches and strife





Retain your Faith and Continue to Hope
When all appears lost in a dark cloud of gloom
Hovering in air like an aura of doom
When walls around you all seem to be closing
While fear and depression on your mind are imposing





Your feet seem to sink in a mire of quicksand
You feel suffocated in the dismal foul air
You think you've endured about all you can stand.
And God you now blame for not answering prayers





Then you spot a soft glow from a flickering flame
And a voice in the darkness is calling your name
You can sense a brief message as a breeze passes near.
"Your prayers will be answered in time, never fear."





I began to recall then what always I've known
Keep your hope and your faith; you are not left alone
May I always feel comfort from His staff and His rod
And always believe in the Goodness of God!