"Let Us Pray"

Often times we find ourselves zoned in on those in dire need, health wise and other wise when we pray.  We may pass up on the smaller things simply because we don’t want to bother God with the “petty stuff.”  What is petty in God’s eyes? The Bible says to get your mind off yourself and pray about it.  Nothing is too small to pray about.  Some people think they should only bother God with great big important stuff.  Do you know what?  God isn't bothered at all when we pray.  He wants us to pray about everything! How simple can it be?

This weekend an experience at camp, with one of our illness camps, put it in perspective for me.

Mark Vosel and friends with “Dogs on Call” brought their dogs to camp. Dogs on Call are trained therapy dogs.  Therapy dogs help people by providing affection, entertainment, and a special kind of acceptance that only an animal can give.

One of the dogs, Chip, was a little under the weather. Chip’s owner explained that Chip had been rescued from a bad situation and that he had been a very sick dog. Instantly, without any hesitation one of the campers felt the need to pray. Did he do it quietly in the meditation of his own heart…no, not at all. In his heart he felt a need and knew instantly that God would help. He stopped the demonstration, and asks everyone to join him in prayer for Chip. The young man then led the group in one of the sweetest prayers you could ever imagine, asking God to heal Chip so that he could continue to do good deeds and help others. Wow, did you catch the part, without hesitation?

So many times campers who attend camp here with one or more illnesses or disabilities have taught me great lessons. This is another one that I will carry with me forever.  If there is a need, who are we to decide if it is too small for God to care?  “Let us pray.”