Genesis 4:26b – At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord. (NIV)

I don't know how many times in my life that I've called on the name of the Lord, but I'm thankful for God's gracious response when I've needed reassurance, guidance, deliverance, and support. As a troubled teenager who lost his way because of alcohol, I remember pleading with God to help me overcome my addiction. Years later, when I served the Lord as a parish minister, I tried to guide others who faced the same struggle, and I called on God to intervene. Sometimes, the Lord didn't answer in ways that I expected, and I struggled with those moments, but overall, when I've gone to God for help, the Lord has patiently shown me what to do and graciously led me through whatever I was painfully or fearfully experiencing, as well as enabling me to assist others.

I guess that's what led people way back in history to call upon the Lord. Whenever they experienced something too big to handle or too puzzling to understand, they looked to their Creator to give them answers. It seems to be an important part of human nature to call on a higher power or a supreme being for help. I think I once read somewhere that 92 per cent of the world's population prays to their god. This means that the vast majority of people on earth, throughout history, and up until the present day, believe in a supreme being. The mission of the church is to help people everywhere to understand that the One to Whom they should be praying is the God Who is revealed to us in the Bible, the heavenly Father Whom Jesus asks us to worship and serve. As for me, I find that comforting, so I will continue to call on the Lord in times of trouble and fear, as well as in moments of gladness and celebration.

Point to ponder: As we wander throughout life, how many times will we earnestly call on the name of God in prayer? And how many times will God lovingly answer our requests?

Prayer: Even now, Lord, as we read or speak these words, we're calling on Your name. We're asking for guidance and blessings, comfort and support. Be near to us even when we wander away; be close to us when we feel lonely or vulnerable; be real to us when reality perplexes us. In Your holy name, we make this prayer. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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