Faith Reflections: "Foxhole" Prayers

“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God.” 

   [Jonah 2:1 New International Version of the Bible]

Read: Jonah 1:17 - 2:10    [Found in the Old Testament of the Bible]

Everyone knows how it goes… the time for the dreaded test [Math, English, Science, whatever] has arrived, and you begin to pray madly that God will help you pass it. Or maybe you’re in trouble, and you know you need help, and even if you don’t usually do a whole lot of praying other times, this time you do. You even try to make a deal with God. “God, if you help me, I’ll…”

Some people call those types of prayers “foxhole” prayers… prayers that are said when someone is in a lot of trouble, is maybe scared, and needs a lot of help. Everyone at some time or another has prayed a “foxhole” prayer.

It is ok to ask God for help in these situations. In the Bible, Jonah had the same experience. He ran away when God wanted him to do something, and now was in big trouble, sitting inside a big fish that had swallowed him up. Even though Jonah probably thought God was mad at him, he still prayed and asked for help. Sometimes God is the only one who can help. Don’t be afraid to ask for his help. He is always listening.

why are they called "bills"? why not "bobs" or "teds"?

"We would be delighted if you would pay your electric bill....  you will be de-lighted if you don't."  

I read this once a long time ago on some page of puns and jokes...   I was just thinking about it 'cause I have to pay my electric bill.  I complain to myself sometimes about how much it is, and the fact that I have to pay it in the first place...   but then I remember that there are those people who do not even have electricity...   and there are those people who have it, but don't have enough money to pay the bill...   and so they are "de-lighted"...  their electricity is cut off.

It is all about perspective, isn't it?  I may not like to pay bills, but at least I am fortunate enough to be able to pay them.   

We all need to keep things in perspective...  What, in your life, do you need to keep "in perspective"?  And while you're thinking about this, say a prayer for those people not as fortunate as you...