Did You Think to Pray?

If you have a bunch of “stuff” going on in your life right now, let me pose this question to both you and me: Did you think to pray? It’s a rather simple question, but one that definitely deserves some deeper consideration as we tackle the various issues that encompass our lives.

After cleaning out my Mother’s apartment and bringing home her photo albums, I had a chance last Saturday to flip through the discolored and worn pages gazing at some of the faded memories. I came across some photos from the 1970’s and decided to get nostalgic with music.

Mom always like listening to country music. So, I turned on my streaming app to play a variety of country classics from the 70’s to help create the mood. What a trip down memory lane it was! I heard songs that I haven’t heard in years like: Rhinestone Cowboy, I’m the Happiest Girl in the Whole USA, Tulsa Time, Delta Dawn, Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man, The Gambler, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, and so many others.

But one song caught my attention, as I had never heard it before (and I always considered myself quite the country music audiophile). The song was recorded by Charlie Pride as is titled, “Did You Think to Pray.” After doing some research, it originated from an old Christian hymn and has a very powerful message. If you don’t mind the old country-gospel sound, listen to it here. Otherwise, here are the lyrics:

Ere you left your room this morning
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior
Did you soothe for loving favor as a shield today? 

Oh, how praying rests the weary
Prayer will change the night to day
So when life seems dark and dreary
Don’t forget to pray 

When you’ve met with great temptation
Did you think to pray?
By his dying love and merit
Did you claim the Holy Spirit as your guide today? 

Oh, how praying rests the weary
Prayer will change the night to day
So when life seems dark and dreary
Don’t forget to pray 

When your heart was filled with anger
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace my brother
That you might forgive another who had crossed your way 

Oh, how praying rests the weary
Prayer will change the night to day
So when life seems dark and dreary
Don’t forget to pray, don’t forget to pray

Prayer should be a part of our daily rituals, something that should and could happen spontaneously, whether we are facing hardships, successes, pain, or happiness. Participating in prayer should be as easy as taking a breath. But in the thick of things, we often forget to pray. We read in Colossians 4:2:

Don’t be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God’s answers, and remember to be thankful when they come.

God will answer our prayers, just not always according to our timetable. That’s why patience in prayer is so important. Don’t give up if something doesn’t happen immediately. Be persistent in prayer, and good things will come. Darkness will lead to light, and your heart will find peace.

So, don’t forget to pray!

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive. ~Matthew 21:22

Are you too tired at the end of your day to pray? Then you must read this.