Who needs it?  Well, this evening at the Epiphany service, during a surprise concert by Niah and Allisha Merrill, I was reminded in song that any suffering, any conflict, any request needs to be carried to the Lord in prayer.  God loves the impossible and will join in the effort when asked.

The Merrills were singing a selection of several songs which they call Prayer Medley on their album Now I See.  They began with “I Need You Every Hour” and moved into “What A Friend We have in Jesus” and moved back into the first hymn. I was so taken with the moment and the impactful presentation that I felt transported to a new understanding of the wonderful truths contained in these beautiful simple hymns.    

Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

(“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” By Joseph M. Scriven)

 I give thanks to the Lord for the wonderful talent that He has given Niah and Allisha.  Their joy is a genuine expression of their love of the Lord.  It is contagious.  I left church this evening with a new resolution to share everything with God.  No matter how small or insignificant.  No matter if I think that I can do it all by myself.  I am going to take it to God in prayer-constant prayer. 

I find that I need these reminders on a regular basis.  About 20 years ago, I gave up control of the weather.  However, I occasionally try to take back that control along with a few other items that I cannot ever control.  Events like tonight’s concert are a gentle reminder that God loves us unconditionally and wants us to be happy, joyous and free.  And, with His help, we can do just that!

Terri

(I could not find a recording of Prayer Medley but this casual video of the Merrills performing “He Knows My Name” is equally inspiring.  If you explore, you can also find one about God and the Impossible.  Good stuff!)