The Power of Prayer and the Power of Our Feet

Lately, our prayer list has grown, and honestly, sometimes the sheer volume of intentions can feel overwhelming. I look at my static list: my wife, our kids, their spouses, our grandkids, my Dad, Tina's mom, and my seven siblings. Then, I add the daily requests coming in from friends and our community.

My heart is full of genuine intentions for all of us:

• Peace in our hearts and minds.

• Good Health and physical well-being.

• Financial Comfort: jobs for those searching, better pay for those struggling, and the ability to finally retire for the older crowd.

• Finally, to give me (us) a grateful heart!

We all believe in the almighty power of prayer. I do too. I am a pious, humble man, and I believe in the miracle of grace. But here's where I have to be honest with myself, and maybe with you too: I can't turn everything over to God and simply trust that He will provide all without my effort.

There's a phrase: "Man cannot live by prayer alone." I live by that truth. For me, prayer is not a substitute for action; it is the fuel that makes the action possible. It's the quiet moment of connection that recharges my spirit before I step out into the day's struggles.

When I pray for peace for the world, I am asking God for the serenity to accept what I cannot change, but I also know I must actively choose not to engage in petty conflict or hold onto a grudge. My prayer for peace must be followed by my work to be peaceful.

When I pray for financial comfort for a friend who needs a job, I believe in God's provision, but I also believe I have a role to play: Can I share their resume? Can I make an introduction? Can I simply be an encouraging voice that stops them from giving up? My prayer for their job must be followed by my hand reaching out to help them search.

If we genuinely believe in a God who gave us hands, minds, and free will, then our faith is a partnership. The spiritual growth we seek doesn't happen while we are sitting still; it occurs when we are in motion, motivated by our prayers.

This partnership is why my own personal prayers center on self-improvement and surrender:

• Before I sleep each night, I ask God that if I must stay on this earth another day, to make me a better version of myself the next day. It’s a plea for growth, not stagnation.

• In the morning, I pray that He gets into my head before I do. I need that divine perspective before my own flawed, human thoughts take over.

• And finally, I can't ask enough: Give me a grateful heart. A thankful heart is the foundation for all good work.

The greatest miracle isn't God doing the work for us; it's God giving us the strength and wisdom to do the job with Him. That's what true, active faith looks like.

So, for all of you on my long list, and for all of your own loved ones, let's remember this in the coming week:

• Pray with all your heart. Lay your burdens down. Be honest about your fears and needs.

• Then, stand up and act. Trust that the divine power you called upon is now walking with you, guiding your next step, your next word, and your next act of service.