What kind of man am I?

I’m the kind that picks up after my dog.

I’m the kind of man who shares my home made barbeque rub with my neighbor.

I’m the kind of man that uses my pickup truck to help a friend move.

I’m the kind of man who prays.

Why do I pray? Because that’s the kind of man I want to be. I don’t pray to change others. I want to change me.

I don’t pray to change the physical world. Saying special words to change the physical world is called magic.

I don’t pray to change God’s mind, or convince God to care about my concerns. Instead, prayer is a way to align myself with God’s will.

When I practice prayer as a discipline, some good things happen. I move toward becoming a stronger person, with a better perspective and a more positive outlook on life. Consistent prayer as a life practice helps develop my character, toward greater patience, kindness, and humility. (Yes, humility is something we can strive for.)

Prayer brings me closer to God, to a better apprehension of God’s will and improves my ability to carry that out. What is God’s will? Well, in another context we call it doing the next right thing.

Love,

Norm