Where to Begin When Life is Challenging?
Around the turn of the century, I began the new year by writing a single sentence in my prayer journal. “This year, Lord, I want to learn to be a better pray-er.” That one line changed the trajectory of my spiritual journey. I hope you’ll read more in today’s post …
After making that entry, I began reading every book I could find about prayer. I started getting up each morning before the crack of dawn to spend at least an hour praying before I began the nearly-hour-long commute to my full-time job, which involved working with troubled individuals and was often quite taxing.
All these years later, the burning desire to be a woman of prayer persists. I continue to study prayer. I pursue new ways of praying. I encourage others to press into the mystery of prayer.
A few months after making that prayer journal entry, I was asked to take on the role of women’s ministry director at our church. One of the first events my amazing team and I coordinated was an all-day Saturday conference we entitled Your Answer Starts with Prayer.
In preparation for the event, one evening while sitting alone in a hotel room in Olympia, Washington, where I was attending a weeklong management training, words to a simple poem spilled onto a spiral notebook. They emerged from not only my own journey as a wife, mom, young grandma, and marketplace worker, but also from interactions both personally and professionally with many women trying to make life “fit” in their complex, and sometimes highly dysfunctional, painful, and confusing worlds.
First, a disclaimer! I want to assure you that I am not a poet! (To tell you the truth, I don’t even understand most “good” poetry!) Despite that, over the years many women have told me the simple words I wrote have provided them strength and encouragement. Twenty-four years later—now “mostly” retired, dealing with some pesky physical challenges, and loving my new role of great-grandma—I decided to add one additional stanza about wrinkles and gray hair!
I hope you enjoy the sentiments in these words which are meant to encourage each of us—no matter where we are in our life and spiritual journeys—to consider prayer as a first line of defense.
Blessings to you, my fellow soujourners,
Your Answer Starts with Prayer
Dear Lord, we have so many needs,
Concerns, unknowns, despair.
We’ve searched for answers in the world,
But have not found them there.
Where can a woman turn for help?
With whom her troubles share?
The Lord is waiting, and He says,
“Your answer starts with prayer.
I formed you in your mother’s womb;
I’ve numbered every hair;
The plans I have for you are good.*
Please come to me in prayer.”
I feel so inadequate;
To others can’t compare.
When will I find the right self-worth?
“The answer starts with prayer."
I cannot kick this habit, Lord;
It holds me in its snare.
How will I ever find success?
“The answer starts with prayer.”
My marriage is not all I’d hoped;
I want romance and care.
Is there a way to light a spark?
“Why not begin with prayer.”
These children try my patience so;
They fight and do not share.
How do I love and discipline?
“Your answer starts with prayer.”
My job’s a disappointment, Lord;
The workplace is not fair.
How do I show Your love and grace?
“Please learn from me in prayer.”
I am consumed in darkest grief;
My times of peace are rare.
When will I see the light again?
“My dear child, start with prayer.”
Oh, Lord, I’m growing older now;
More wrinkles and gray hair.
“I’m here; I care,” the whisper comes,
“Still hearing each new prayer.”
True victory starts before the Lord;
The Scriptures show God’s care.
He longs for us to come to Him;
God hears our every prayer.
At times we’ll need to wait awhile;
May wonder if He’s there.
But if we faithfully persist,
We’ll learn God answers prayer.
Sue Reeve
2001/revised 2025
*Psalm 139:13; Matthew 10:30; Jeremiah 29:11