ALL we can do is pray. Sometimes, that feels so true when we are in deeply sad or frustrated about the world or the circumstances we find ourselves in. Prayer seems to be the only option when we feel so helpless in the face of the worries of the world.

For many people of faith though, prayer is not the end of things, the last resort, but rather the beginning of things, the start of something new; a call out to God, yes, but also a way to re-focus on what is important, to find direction and guidance so we may respond positively to the world around us.

I think that prayer is like using a two-way radio. We speak out and God listens. But after we speak, God also speaks often quietly in the conversation of our mind as we mull over things. He speaks hoping we are listening too, listening and ready to act. It is through prayer that many people of faith feel that they are energised and directed to do good things, things full of light that can push back the darkness.

But it is not just about me praying and then acting. I was struck by the idea that part of the answer to those prayers I and others are saying on behalf of those caught up in the war in Ukraine is the genuine open-hearted response by many here and across Europe as they invite displaced and traumatised people into their homes; combatting the darkness by being shining lights of hope and action, love and friendship. I see in their actions an answer to my prayer. I wonder if, whether consciously or subconsciously, people are tuning into God’s wavelength, and responding to the promptings of a God by being those good people who are offering a Samaritans hand to those in need.

It is certainly a humbling thought, that the good things I do for those around me may be the answer to someone else’s cry out to God; that God chooses to use us to be his angels of mercy, bringers of peace, hope and love. If that is the case, perhaps if I prayed more, I might hear better, and may start to see new opportunities to do good things for those in need.

So, my thought for this week is a challenge to me, and to you: to not make prayer the last thing we do but the first. May we then be so tuned into God that we can become an answer to the dark things of this world, shining a light through the great and good works we do for others.