TRY A LITTLE PRAYER

The policemen pictured are from India. They are trying to relieve stress by laughing. Organized laughter.

Now I like to laugh as much as the next guy. Does it relieve stress? I think so. That's what I always thought a Teachers' Lounge was for.

But it's only temporary. Not prayer.

Praying is a great reliever of stress. Remember the old hymn "I Must Tell Jesus"? One phrase in that song says,"Jesus alone." It's not the focus of the song, but it might as well be. We need to tell Jesus. We need to be alone with Him. And we need to unload our burdens on Him. He, alone.

Prayer time is important to me. Not just before bed, not just as I rise in the morning, not just at meal times. Not even our Prayer Works ministry Sunday morning before church services. But prayer during the day.

I find myself enjoying my morning walks without my wife. Not that I don't love being with her and sharing our exercise. But it takes me away from some serious prayer time. I walk rather slowly, unfortunately, so I have plenty of time in a 2-3 mile walk to have a devotion. A mediatation. A prayer.

There's lots to pray for. There's lots to praise for. Try it. But don't forget to laugh, too.