“To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.” -Psalm 22:5 (NRSV)

Sometimes we make poor choices. Once, against my better judgment, I attempted to fix a leaky roof. By myself. Without a rope. The roof was aluminum. When the rain started, the steep roof immediately became slippery. As I slid off the roof. I said, “Oh God!”

The landing came quickly and painfully. I broke some bones in my back and a wrist. Someone spotted me – saved! – and though I was helpless and hurting for real, everything fell into place for my care and mending.

Jesus advises us, “When you are praying, don’t heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do.” (Mt. 6:7.)

I learned that a very brief prayer – “Oh, God!” – uttered in sincerity, has power that matches the psalmist’s, for all its eloquence. In every time, in every place, simple and direct prayer is enough. If the artist in oneself carefully crafts psalms of our own hearts, that too keeps us connected to the God who loves to hear from us.

Be with us now and always.
Oh, God!
-Tom Worrell