“Help me do this right, Lord.”

This is the shortest prayer that has helped me on several occasions.

What happens when we pray this?

Suddenly there is calm and clarity. All at once, we realize that God is bigger than our problem. The situation does not magically change every time, (though sometimes it does) but almost instantly you change, your heart changes. You emerge as a strong, calm person. You have a restful heart.

God is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 18:30b NIV

·Tina was so excited about the Christmas party at work. On the day of the party, she woke up to find that her 1-year-old Josh was running a high temperature. She was stuck at home that evening for a few days with a sick child. “Help me do it right, Lord,” she prayed as she looked at the boxes of decorations.

The children were not on their best behavior and Kate was tired herself as she was in the last leg of her thesis submission. In her journal, she scribbled, “Help me do this right, Lord.”

Daniel was out of town on a business trip and Delanty was managing the girls all on her own. Just when she thought she had everything under control- Leah tipped over her bowl of cornflakes, the dishwasher refused to work and her dog was sick! She called out to God escaping to the quiet of her toilet. “Help me do it right, Lord.”

Hear my cry O God and listen to my prayer.

 Psalm 61:1 NIV

Leela walked out of the courtroom, a divorcee. It was all over and too soon. Just 2 years back she had walked down the aisle in her exquisite bridal gown. As she drove home, she prayed “Help me do this right Lord.”

Aniya had no reason to be discontent. Her dream house had been built to perfection, she had a dream job, Jake had presented her with a brand new car but her heart was searching for something more. She knew she had drifted away from God. She went to the deck and spoke to God in the quiet. “Help me do this right, Lord.”

After a month’s holiday in India and the UK, Ranjit and I were returning to New Zealand on June 6th 2022. “Good afternoon, ladies, and Gentlemen. Shortly we will commence our descent into the Auckland International Airport,” came the pilot’s sharp clear announcement. I slowly got ready for the landing. I had been looking at the clouds and enjoying the window seat on this leg of the journey. Ranjit and I were discussing about the great time we had had with family. My father though had been weak and frail when we left. My thoughts were with Appa.

As soon as we landed and joined the meandering queue, I took out my phone and connected to family. I saw my brother’s message- Appa had passed away. My father would often say over the last year, “I am holding on to see you,” and yes, he had lived to see us and to bid farewell.

I prayed “Help me do this right, Lord.” A myriad of emotions ran through my mind. The airport was crowded but I felt alone. There was a hush in my heart.

Appa had been my friend, my guide, my cheerleader. Appa’s words of love echoed in my heart as I slowly moved ahead in the queue. Ranjit stood by me as a pillar.

I was crying in my heart. “You must be strong,” Appa had told me, “this goodbye is different.” I thank God for the precious times he gave me with Appa over the years. He had taught me to love life, to love God, and to love others.

At the biosecurity screening I had to open my suitcase and show my Indian treats and goodies. I felt like telling them to hurry up and shout to the world that I had just lost my loving father.

At a time when it was not very common for girls to do professional courses, my parents had encouraged me to do architecture, play the piano, and take voice training lessons. Appa had taught me to drive, though I was a slow learner at the wheel!

We could not fly back to attend Appa’s funeral but God gave me the strength and comfort I needed at that time.

I can say without a doubt that the God of all comfort comforted me so that I could comfort those in any trouble with the comfort that I had received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3 and 4 paraphrased)

 I spent time in our garden and went on long walks. Trees, flowers, and leaves were precious to Appa. I fondly remember our walks together. My tribute to him are essays on all platforms. I am humbled that Appa has passed on the baton to us, his children.

Appa and I shared our love for hot tea and biscuits, words and books, people and deep conversations, walks, nature, and hymns.

I had learned a lot from my parents but more than anything I had seen them lean on God and do it well.

Let me lean closer Lord Jesus, O closer day by day!

Let me lean harder on Thee Lord Jesus, yes harder all the way.

-J L Lyne

You may also want to read:

https://tirzahmag.com/blog/prayer-as-a-privilege

https://tirzahmag.com/blog/shobas-corner-mothers-prayers

https://tirzahmag.com/blog/shobas-corner-a-life-well-lived