I have a question — sort of a follow up to a previous blog, sort of an addendum, mostly rhetorical, and totally for myself. When does prayer become a crutch for passivity? Big, bold prayers are awesome. Small, feeble prayers are OK, too. But, do we hide behind prayer as a way of playing it safe? I think that at some point our prayers should lead us to action, otherwise, what good are they?

I’ve recently rediscovered that I love the TV show “The West Wing” and have been enjoying season 1 all over again thanks to Netflix. Last night in an episode called, “Celestial Navigation”, a priest came to speak with the president and he told a story about a man who was in trouble — his town was flooding and he was standing on his roof crying out for God to save him. 3 different people came by — one in a boat, one in a helicopter, and I forgot the other — all asking him if they could help him. The man responded by saying, “I’m praying to God to help me”. The man refused all 3 and drowned. He then demanded an audience with God and asked him why he didn’t save him. God said, “I sent you 3 people, not to mention my son. What more did you want from me?”

OK, perhaps that’s not entirely relevant, but the point is. If we spend all of our energy crying out for God to show us wisdom, or to help us when we need it, or whatever we pray for, but don’t DO something we are praying in vain. What good is wisdom if we never use it? What good is a plan if we don’t follow it? What good are our lives if we don’t live them?

At some point, we must come out from behind the shield and take action. Our prayers needn’t cease just because we’re no longer kneeling still. In fact, our prayers should INCREASE. My prayer is that I will take risks and be bold. This is a challenge mostly to myself, but to others as well, to get up and do stuff.

Love God. Love people. Do stuff. (Bob Goff)