To the Journal editor:

In difficult times truly wise people and nations have resorted to serious and intentional prayer. Today, as people become increasingly aware of all that is besetting our nation and world, we once again more frequently hear, “We need to be praying about all this!” Some consider the solution trite, others engage quite seriously.

For those who treasure serious and effective prayer, the question is often, “But what do I pray? How can I pray prayers that make a difference?”

The suggestion I offer will seem superficial to some. It is simple, but I assure you it is not simplistic. I have prayed it over many issues in my own life and when I am content to patiently trust the problems and issues to God (not always easy), the results are often amazing. Sometimes, even miraculous.

A prayer for any and all situations is, “Come, Lord Jesus.” It was powerfully prayed by the early church during times of persecution and all ages since. It is the prayer John set forth at the end of the Book of Revelation and the closing words of the Bible.

“Come, Lord Jesus” can be prayed over frustrating relationships, troubling home or work situations, governments gone wild, and terrorizing armies. It is a cry simply for Christ to bring his healing wisdom and power to bear upon those situations.

Warning; praying “Come, Lord Jesus” just for our side or cause diminishes its healing and reconciling power. Christ cannot be divided. This powerful prayer covers the troublesome and the troubled, terrorists as well as the terrified.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Chuck Tooman

Marquette