And He told them a parable

to the effect that they ought

always to pray

      and not lose heart.

                 Luke 18. 1

(There are some things we can do,

and so much that we can't,

              but we can pray.

If we only had a glimpse

    of the power of prayer,

we would not be so reluctant.

Have I even considered

              praying about this?

God answers

   in unexpected ways

   and in countless outcomes,

some we might see,

but always

       far beyond our lifetimes.

God is not limited

   by a singular accomplishment,

       or a prescribed answer,

       or our schedule for Him.

What are we praying for?

Who are we praying to?)

O LORD,

We pray above all things

that You would align

          --and realign--

our hearts with Yours.

You alone

make a way where

        there seems to be no way.

You alone

grant us the strength

        to follow You.

We ask that You interrupt,

infiltrate,

intervene,

intercede,

infect our hearts

that we would follow You

                 fully.

Reveal not just what we should pray,

     but how we should pray,

Your words over ours,

Your will over ours.

Stretch Your strength,

    courage and wisdom

               over us.