Flora Tucker believes that prayer and coffee can fix just about anything. So do I; only, I could leave off the coffee and know that prayer is the answer to any crisis. I’ve read a couple of news stories about Tim Tebow praying for two of his fans, at different times, who had fallen ill or were injured. The fans were miraculously healed. Tim has suffered a lot of persecution because of his Christian faith, but he perseveres. He continues to be an example of a faithful Christian because Tim knows the Person to whom he prays has all power. What a neat thing!
This is Columbus Day, despite the government-mandated Monday. Christopher Columbus believed in prayer. Can you imagine sailing across a great expanse of unknown ocean in a frail wood ship powered by the wind, and facing the unknown? This prayer is attributed to Mr. Columbus:
Blessed be the light of day,
And the holy cross we say;
And the Lord of verity,
And the Holy Trinity.
Prayer should not be something we do only in a crisis but should be a part of us, like breathing. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. I used to wonder about that command, how we could possibly pray all the time. At last, I understood the verse meant to pray about everything throughout the day. I ask God’s protection for my family. Psalm 91 is a favorite protection prayer for me. I pray before I pull out into traffic in this busy town. I pray for the money to pay bills, for that friend who is suffering, for me to hold my temper and watch my words, for just about anything and everything. Not that I’m particularly pious, whatever that means, but I know I have need of God. In everything.
It’s raining here in Northwest Arkansas. The morning is still dark; the sound of faraway traffic on the interstate is a muted drone. 
I ask God’s blessing on this day for you and for me and for our Nation.
Excellent, insightful
Thank you, Helen. We’ll miss you today.