John requested that the elders of his church anoint him. His life was hanging by the proverbial thread. I listened carefully when he prayed. I expected him to cry out to God for healing. Not a word. Instead, he honored God for His majesty and power. His three-minute prayer was a masterpiece of praise.
Many years ago I attended a predominantly German-speaking church in New York City. The pastoral prayer was replete with adoration for the Creator Redeemer. There must have been some worshippers who suffered with illness, but the prayer was focused on the God of heaven and earth. During the prayer a chorus of amens rang out. I left that church wondering why other churches did not lift heart and voice to the Majesty of heaven.
John McVay, president of the university our grandson attends, wrote an article about the book of Revelation. He said the revelation of Jesus is framed in the beginning and in the end. The frame is worship. Within the frame is God’s plan to restore His people and land. The key question, he challenged, is Who will we worship?
Praying in our mixed up world doesn’t have to be a recitation of earthly woes. Our prayers/praise may be a rehearsal for our joyful entrance into our heavenly home.