Friday 29 October 2010

Prayer - sometimes not answerable!

Today I have been struggling with prayer. I have been trying to figure out how to pray a prayer that is not answerable - its too late. So some how I have to rethink this prayer thing. What to do.


My HS class of 1961 has their 50th reunion next year. We had 18 in our small senior class. Until yesterday we had located 17. Now we have located the last one - George. However, in 1975 he died. How do you pray for a man's soul after he has been dead for 35 years ?? I don't think you can. Its too late. His course for eternity was set on that last breath he took sometime in 1975. He started his eternal journey 35 years ago. I have no idea where that journey has taken him - regardless, he is on it. I have found myself whispering a prayer today that God has mercy on his soul. The problem is that is done - its over. George has made his choice. Frustrated. George was a good friend in High School. I never saw him again after graduation. Our paths went different directions. He had a difficult life - very difficult - various foster homes right through high school.

Maybe this should be my prayer; "Lord, I may not be able ask you to have mercy on George's soul today, but help me to do my part to make sure my loved ones and friends make the right choices in life. Make sure I never forget this important task you have asked us to do. If George left a family behind, I pray that you help them on their journey on earth. If one of my blogger friends have contact with his family - remind them we were called to be witness' for you. AMEN"

16 comments:

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

That must not be a very nice feeling at all. My loving thoughts, prayers and concern are with you dear friend.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michelle - It is frustrating - a hopeless feeling. But it makes what we do and what we say at the moment much more important.

Parsley said...

As sad as this makes you feel, imagine how God feels if his son never accepted him.

I understand your frustration dear friend.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Parsley - it has been a strange day - it feels like I have "found" George and my instinct is to pray for him - but then again - he is gone. I pray that somewhere George accepted God's son, and did not reject Him.

Peter Olson said...

I pray that when you enter heaven's gates you are greeted by George's smiling face.
I pray that you continue to be a strong Christian witness to many, many more people on this earth.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Peter, that would be awesome! I would be pleased to meet George in Heaven.

CrossView said...

Let's hope that there were others along his path. Surely there must have been. I can't imagine that God gave only you that burden. ;o)

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossviw - I pray that you are right - which makes it more imperative that you and I share the gospel wherever God leads. Maybe you and I have "Georges" in our pathway - lets not disappoint our Savior and those who are praying.

Ed said...

I think praying for your friend George's family is like praying for him.

Hope you do get to meet him again.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hopefully Ed, you and George will both get to greet me!!

gchyayles said...

It is a sobering thought when we can't say with assurity that a loved one came to know Jesus before their physical death. However, I am always encouraged by the scripture that says God chooses on whom He will have mercy and that could be during someone's last breath where He reveals Himself to them. I've heard several times in my Christian walk how we'll be surprised at who we see in Heaven and surprised at who we won't--meaning that only God knows our hearts and we can trust that as His desire is not that anyone would perish He will continue pursuing those that do not know Him until their last breath. We can do our part by loving them like He does so they are drawn to Him. Thanks for that reminder today, Papa. Love you!

Indian Lake Papa said...

GCh - you bring up a very good point - our responsibility to draw them to Christ - hopefully somebody was able to do that. I guess I had better get busy with that call.

Hope your day is going good.

Tanya Ross said...

Good post, your heart is so compasionate towards others. Maybe you should also pray that if you get the chance to talk to his family, you can share the love of our Lord to them. Spread the seeds on his family. What an awesome person you are and my heart understands what you have posted. God bless you and Mama. Love Tanya

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tanya - that would be a real blessing if I could find some of his family. You can be sure I will keep my eyes and ears open.

Life Adapted said...

Papa, I don't know about this. . . isn't prayer timeless? Isn't God timeless? George's time has passed here, but the prayers we pray never fall on deaf ears and God can and does change events. It's a hard concept for me to put into words. Our prayers can't change George or bring him back, but our prayers reach the heart of Christ and that can change things. I don't know maybe it's wishful thinking on my part.

Anyway, sorry for your sad heart, I wish George was still alive.

Be blessed.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - prayer is timeless - But, we can pray "wrong" prayers. We can ask God for answers to prayers that are not fair, right or prayers from a wrong heart. I often start my prayers with a request for God to look closely at my heart.

Got a copy of George's obituary yesterday.All I will say is - very sad. I want to do something, and yet I feel I need to let it go. It's a tough one.