All we can do is pray

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“Listen, my friend! Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls

from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your

uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized

with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing

and answering the prayer of your helplessness.”

-- O. HALLESBY

“All we can do is pray, and hope, and pray some more,” a friend

said. “We also need to see what we can do to help.”

My friend and I spoke last week about the incredible pain and

destruction of the wildfires that raced through Southern California.

I went on a walk that Saturday morning when we woke to a dark smoky

sky and eerie red sun. I didn’t know how bad the fires were until I

returned and turned on the news, but I knew that it had to be bad and

that I needed to pray.

As I walked, I began coughing, and so I headed home. Watching the

news, I realized how many people had no option of a morning walk, or

even a home to return to.

I remember the devastating Laguna Beach fire 10 years ago, and

knew families who lost their homes. I also remember the incredible

attitude of many of them. One couple who lived through that fire said

that the only explanation they had for their inner peace during such

outward turmoil was that people had been praying for them.

I prayed for a quick end to the fires, and I prayed for protection

for those involved or affected. I also prayed that in the midst of

the chaos, people would turn to God and allow Him to fill them with

His peace. I can’t imagine what they must feel, but when they feel

helpless, I pray they feel a new hope, the kind of hope that God

offers.

Obviously, my prayers weren’t answered the way I wanted; the fires

grew and spread, and lives and homes were lost. I will still continue

to pray that somehow and in some way, God will grow something

positive out of the ashes.

Many churches, schools and organizations have responded to meet

the practical needs of housing, food and clothing. I’ve seen bake

sales and heard about children emptying their piggy banks to raise

funds for those who lost their homes.

There was a special offering at church last week, but I was

especially moved by the words of a little girl on the church patio.

While eating a doughnut, she looked up at her father and said,

“Daddy, I want to give my special teddy bear. It helps me sleep

better, maybe it will help somebody else.”

I smiled at them both. At her young age, she understands that we

need to help each other. I’m saddened by the pain and devastation,

but thankful for the practical responses and the change in weather.

We can all do something practical for those who feel helpless

because of fires or whatever areas of their lives are out of control.

We can also pray for God to bring hope and help whenever others or we

ourselves feel hopeless or helpless.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Suite 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.