Today is the National Day of Prayer. The national holiday lands on the first Thursday of May every year, as declared by President Bill Clinton in 1998, and aims to encourage people of all faiths to join in what connects us all, our connection to our Lord. We sat down with Pastor Matt Sauer of the Manitowoc Cooperative Ministry, which includes the United Church of Christ, and First Presbyterian Church, who wanted to stress the importance of prayer. He explained, “I think the power of prayer isn’t so much that we are suddenly convincing God to do something, but that the prayer transforms us.”
When some people think of prayer, they automatically think of pre-designed prayers like the “Hail Mary”, or “Our Father”. Pastor Sauer says that, while those prayers are important and have their place, prayer has a better effect when it is more personalized, because “…if all we are doing is rushing through these memorized prayers…it’s a one sided conversation.” Whereas if we hold a conversation with God, we are forced to take a step back, and listen.
While many people have been active in ministry for a while, some people are either just getting involved, or are trying to reconnect with God. We asked the Pastor if he had any tips to help those new to the activity. A very important thing to remember, according to Pastor Sauer, “is that we are not always on the top of our game. We are not inherently perfect just because of who we are…There are things in own lives that may be spinning out of control, so when you can come to that understanding and then just be able to sit and be able to say ‘God I want to be the best person that I can be,” that is when spiritual enlightenment is achieved.
Pastor Sauer wanted to emphasize that regardless of if you have been praying your whole life, or are just getting started, regardless of your religion, take some time today, and reconnect with your god, and try to become a better person, even if it is just a little bit. If you wish to talk to Pastor Sauer, you can call the MCM Office at 682-4688, or email him at matt@mcmunited.com.
