Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 (NASB)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, pharmacy the conviction of things not seen.

Thought for the Day: Despite highly advanced technological times when mailing something “snail mail” is practically a thing of the past, view I still stand in line at the post office to mail packages to my family in Texas and California. Usually the packages are birthday presents for my nieces, nephews, or my sisters, and consequently, there’s an element of vulnerability in handing over these carefully selected presents to the post office. The same applies for handing over luggage at the airline counter.

Bags and packages go through an entire “behind the scenes” process to get to their destination, and they may or may not make it there intact or on time. Even with the risks involved, I still choose to send the packages and check the bags. What’s the alternative anyway? If I don’t let go of them, they’ll never be able to serve their purpose!

Such is faith. We can consciously work on it, try to package our prayers into tidy packages, but ultimately we release the outcome into the hands of God. My sister refers to the act of sending out prayers and positive thoughts like setting ships out to sea. We release control and send them out to serve a purpose beyond our own understanding. Michael also emphasizes the significance of active prayer that, in and of itself, creates a new reality.

I am thankful that my thoughts on prayer continue to evolve as I get older.  I hope that I always maintain the belief that my prayers will in fact reach their destination, even without my knowledge of the entire “behind the scenes” process that my prayers go through in my lifelong journey with God.

Prayer: God of the known and unknown, thank you for the mix of faith and vulnerability that allows me to rely more completely on you, rather than forcing my own agenda and outcomes.  Amen.