Thanks to my wife Debbie, I got into volunteering for the MDA telethon. As a little girl, she had proudly brought a contribution into the TV studio. As adult helpers, we did all kinds of odd jobs on Labor Day. One time we were on the phones, and the local radio broadcaster who was co-hosting the TV coverage dubbed me “Father Lutheran” (yes, I was wearing my collar). They made their continual pleas to the viewers: “phone lines are now open”, “I want to hear all these phones ringing”, “make your pledge now”.

The “phone lines” in heaven are always open. Angels respond to our calls for help. Sometimes (usually?) the answers do not come how or when we expect. When we feel that special, spiritual connection, our skin may tingle. We might get a warm sensation, feel a breeze if we’re outside, hear a bird, see a butterfly. Isn’t it sweet when you get that recognizable sign of affirmation?

Even when it’s a complaint, God always listens and answers. Expect that it the response will happen when God decides it is best for us. That is where faith and trust enter in. The more often we pray, the deeper that trust level becomes. Martin Luther famously said, “I have so much to do today; I need to spend the first three hours in prayer”. In our crazy, rapidly changing world that Brother Martin couldn’t have predicted or comprehended, it can be enough to add ten, twenty, thirty minutes in a day for prayer. Schedule it as a priority. When you can’t think straight or articulate coherently, pray. Pray while driving. Pray while showering. You may be surprised by the outcome! In all life’s circumstances, the “happies and crappies”, our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally.

 Pastor Art