“Small” Prayers

In the third grade, I learned that God truly cares about every aspect of my life. I was learning a difficult piece on the piano, “Hawaiian Warriors Dance,” arranged by John W. Schaum. I prayed as I walked to my piano teacher’s house that God would help me play through the song correctly. And He did! I felt so relieved that I just kept thanking Him.

During school worship, sometime in the fifth grade, the pastor asked for prayer requests. Students raised their hands and mentioned concerns for the sick, traveling mercies, and unspoken requests. I had a favorite cassette tape that was missing, and I wanted it brought before the Lord in prayer. When we prayed, the pastor mentioned the other kids’ prayer requests by name, and then toward the end of his prayer, he thanked God for caring about the “little things” in our lives. At first I felt slighted. He had failed to mention my prayer request to find the missing cassette tape. He must consider it a “little thing.” But then I remembered how God cared about the “little things” in my life. I thought of how He had seen me through playing the “Hawaiian Warriors Dance.” And of course, in time, God helped me to find my missing tape.

Years later, in my twenties, I tried to open a jar of peach jam. I was really struggling that day, physically and spiritually. I cried to the Lord, “If You truly care, please help me open this jar!” When I tried again I was shocked at how easily it opened. It was almost as if an angel had opened it for me. I did not have to keep trying in my own strength. The Lord fought my little battle for me. Then, in my thirties, I accidentally put my iPod in the washing machine. I felt so sad and certain I would never be able to use it to listen to music while on my walks anymore. I said a prayer and turned it on. Can you believe it? It worked! Remember, “nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice.”* Is there something you think is “too small” to bring to the Lord in prayer today? Go ahead and ask. He cares about every aspect of your life!

Mary C. D. Johnson