With siren’s screaming and lights flashing, the ambulance twisted through traffic. We pulled over to clear a path. Every driver recognized this urgent response to a cry for help.

This is not a rare, mysterious event. It’s routine. But we may still feel a stomach-dropping (if fleeting) reaction to stress. We may need some deep, calming breaths to be fully restored.  

Today’s world seems filled with more stress-events than ever. Are there truly more potential hazards now (than ever), or does social media just keep us better informed of dangerous, global potential?

We can’t seem to avoid ‘bad’ news in the form of fire, flood, earthquake, violence, political and economic division, hatred, crime, wars, and rumors of wars. Whew!  

By comparison, the sudden appearance of an ambulance rushing to help someone should be a comforting, calming sight. It’s existence and purpose IS comforting, yet our immediate startled stress reaction is also real.

So I wonder … given our response to this known and welcome distraction, how much more stress goes unrecognized within us – as we’re saturated with less understood, and infinitely more dangerous, news?

Feeling powerless over negative experiences is a leading cause of anxiety and depression. Have you noticed those painful emotions seem to be at an all-time high?

We ask:

Can one person make a positive difference in the face of so many,  overwhelming circumstances?

If we could, would it make a positive difference to our own well-being?

I say YES – and YES again!

Waiting with stopped traffic, as our first responders rushed to answer their call – I sent up a prayer for the safety and success of their mission. A few minutes later I recognized how important that action was – and how blessed I was to participate.

My personal definition of prayer is a ‘conversation’ between two persons who love each other … or even between ONE who loves, always and unconditionally (God), and one who is beginning to consider a relationship with Him.

No matter where you stand – you can talk things over with God. Here’s what He says about prayer:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything – by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving – let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4-6

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers;  1 Peter 3:12  

… this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  1 John 5:14

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  James 5:16

Prayer is effective. We don’t even need to fear righteousness as a condition for our prayers to be heard. Our Lord Jesus Christ satisfied that requirement for us. When we pray in His name, we just need to speak from a sincere heart and trust Him.

There is one condition on God’s promise for effective prayer. He says we must ask everything according to His will – not just our desires.

His will is always for our good and for His glory. That’s as good as anything I can imagine. It’s the answer when we aren’t sure WHAT to pray for (like not knowing what specific mission faced the ambulance crew).

If we ask for God’s will to be done in ANY situation, we’re on the right track. He already has the details and the perfect plan.

Our prayer is important and effective (even when we don’t immediately see the effects). We’re not helpless spectators – we are active participants, making a positive difference.  So, I was not just powerless and ‘stuck’ in traffic this morning – I was on-scene and calling in reinforcements. That’s a very different state of being, and one I deeply appreciate.

We’re not alone. When we pray in faith – we connect with the power of heaven. Consciously putting our concerns and requests in the hands of almighty God also does great things for our well-being. Stress is a killer … and prayer Is a stress–killer.

Blessings, Love and Laughter,

Marge

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