Between Man and His Maker

To pray does not mean the same thing to all men. There are those to whom prayer is but a formality—an established custom, and accepted pattern to speak and to hear on set occasions. There are those to whom prayer is but a last desperate gesture. There are those to whom prayer is believed to be but the self-heard expression of hopes and wishes that we think ourselves. But prayers which do not go beyond these limitations fall short of the full meaning of prayer. That prayer which offers nothing more than a psychological satisfaction is not good enough for the mother who prays for an absent son; not enough for one who watches at the bedside of a stricken child; not enough for the statesman struggling with grievous world problems; not enough when, beyond all humanly help, we still need help. The prayers which find full meaning in our lives are in truth conversations between man and his Maker—the exchange of confidences between a child and his eternal Father. And of this may we ever be mindful, this day—and always: That there is a God in heaven in whose image men were created, who in the Maker of heaven and earth, who is our eternal Father, who is mindful of us all, and who hears and answers prayers of His children. Of this an unnumbered host in our own generation can testify from their daily experience; and of this many have borne witness who have been sustained in their time of need when they were pushed beyond all human resources—sustained as though a voice had spoken, as though a hand had lifted their burdens.