By Phil Miglioratti 

Was I surprised when I read the email!

It was from the editor's desk of US News and World Report indicating a e-letter I had sent them was being published. A few weeks earlier, that magazine had run a cover story on "The Power of Prayer" and I e-mailed them a response:

The article, "How We Talk To God," identified our biggest problem with prayer. We talk to God rather than with God. If prayer is a relationship, then why is so much of our praying telling, asking, and complaining rather than seeking, listening, and responding?

When I first read the article, I was thinking of the Christians I meet in congregations small and large in cities and towns from east to west (including pastors!). It was easy to see the speck in someone else's eye.

When I read my letter, after getting over my pride in having it published in a national news magazine, I began thinking of myself; how I talk to God rather than with God. How I tell, ask, complain so often. How much I have to learn about seeking, listening and responding.

May we continue to preach and teach the Word on prayer but, if you are at all like me, may we be quick to listen and slow to speak next time we drop to our knees.