Standing in the Need of Prayer

by Keith Aubrey Davis

“Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. It is in vain to say that democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious, or less avaricious, than aristocracy or monarchy. It is not true, in fact, and nowhere appears in history. Those passions are the same in all men, under all forms of government, and when unchecked, produce the same effects of fraud, violence, and cruelty.”

—John Adams, 2nd President Of The United States

4am.

I awakened alerted that something was amiss. My heart was racing, feeling as though it would burst through my chest. My pounding head felt as if it was sending frantic messages in Morse code. The difference between my blood pressure and my weight was uncomfortably close. Having survived one heart attack and nearly having another, it’s an understatement to say I was more than a bit concerned.

I rose immediately and began taking a critical assessment of my physical wellbeing with phone in hand, in case emergency services were needed. Once up and moving about, vital signs began settling into a normal range and rhythm. I took very deep breaths and tried relaxing. I couldn’t. I felt an anxiety not easily described. My legs nervously moved up and down to their own beat. My head pounded, even after taking 1500mg of Tylenol. What’s going on?

As I pondered the possibilities, I realized I fell asleep with the television on. I left it on a news channel. And then, an epiphany happened (Clergy, what’s the difference between an epiphany and an Emmaus moment? Fodder for another conversation).

My epiphany? I was angry, agitated, afraid, and disillusioned! My stomach churns as I confess these feelings in print. We are living in a WTF moment if ever there was one. Have all the blood, sweat, tears, marches, and sacrifices of past social victories been for nothing? Why do we seem so adept at living with what divides us and so apprehensive about reaching for what unites us?

We Shall Overcome? We haven’t overcome much of anything. E Pluribus Unum, Out Of Many One? In theory yes, but in practice, no. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free? Unless those masses have marketable skills, proper documentation, speak English, and look like “a-MER-icans,” I think not.

Photo by mikhail.kelner (CC-BY-2.0)

I’ve never been as jaded, as cynical, or as snarky (okay, snarky could be argued), as I am today. I am enraged as I think of my granddaughter’s bright future diminishing with each passing news report and executive order. Yes, I admit I am tired of all this rancorous BS parading as life in America. In his 1935 poem LET AMERICA BE AMERICA AGAIN, Langston Hughes, as so many of us are, longs for what America could be:

Let America be America again…
Let America be the dream dreamers dreamed-
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme…

…the beauty isn’t in the gem itself, but in the way the light shines through it.

—William Kent Krueger, This Tender Land

I needed help. I was navigating some unchartered waters and having difficulty seeing a way forward. My vision was clouded with rage and tears that would not stop and I found praying for myself difficult.

I was reminded of a hymn sung in the church of my youth: “Standing in the Need of Prayer.” Well, there I was, standing in the need of prayer. It has always been difficult for me to ask for assistance, but I put out a spiritual SOS. HELP!

The Rev Barbara Mraz, St John The Evangelist’s former deacon, would often begin her sermons with the following prayer: “In the name of Jesus, the face of God turned in our direction.” In my turmoil, Jesus was listening. The face of God, the face of love, compassion, and understanding truly turned in my direction. My cohorts in the Circle Of Care ministry, clergy, fellow parishioners, siblings in Christ from different faith communities, and dear friends offered words of encouragement, wisdom, and prayer, as well as their companionship.  Jesus found me where I was and reminded me I was not alone.

I share this story not as a polemic against these tumultuous and unprecedented times but as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. We are not alone in our fears. We need community now more than ever so we do not bear our burdens alone.

Jesus, in a myriad of ways, is here for us. Do not be afraid to call on Him. Reach out!

Previous Articles

Sign up to receive new articles by email:

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

See articles by tag:

Or search all articles:
Skip to content