A few short weeks after I became a member of the Lord’s Church, I was asked by a deacon at the church where I worshiped to be a communion server.
I thought to myself, no problem, I just have to carry and pass out some trays of crackers and juice, surely, I can’t mess that up too bad. I was nervous, but also glad to contribute to worship service.
Then something unexpected happened. When the time came to serve, I was asked to lead the prayer for the juice. Instant terror. I said yes without hesitation and instantly regretted it. My mind began to race but all thoughts had the same focus: What do I say?
My mind went back to all of prayers that I had heard prayed at the communion table. I went through a checklist:
- What do I call it? Juice? Or Fruit of the vine? That’s what I’d heard most, so, fruit of the vine it is.
- What does it represent? The blood of Jesus, shed on the cross. Or do I say Calvary? What’s Calvary again? I’m not saying Calvary if I don’t know what it is. I’ll stick with the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross.
- Do I say something about a worthy manner? I’ve heard that too, some say it, some don’t. Not sure, so worthy manner is out. Not sure what a worthy manner is anyway.
- Do I say anything additional, or keep it short and simple?
- Will people be upset if I don’t say the prayer right?
- Will people like me more if I say the prayer right?
- If I stink at praying, will I ever be asked to pray again?
These questions, and more, were going through my sixteen-year-old mind. Do you know what I did not consider? I did not consider asking, how do I glorify God with my prayer? Or, what kind of prayer pleases God?
I remember pressure. I remember that my knees were physically wobbling. I remember sweating through my undershirt. I don’t remember what I said.
The one thing I did get right? I understood that prayer was a big deal, even if I didn’t fully understand why.
When Jesus came onto the scene, He had a lot to say about prayer. He taught that there were many, including the religious leaders, who had prayer all wrong. In His love and grace, He pointed out the flaws and showed them what prayer looks like that is pleasing to God.
I John 5:14 says, This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Which begs the question, how do I pray according to God’s will? We’ll answer this question and more over the next few weeks!
I appreciate all of you!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
