By Rev. Aaron Lauer

As a pastor, people often tell me, “I don’t pray,” or “I don’t know how to pray,” or, probably my favorite, “My prayers are really bad!”

My usual response is: “Don’t worry. The words don’t matter. It’s the intention of your heart.”

I believe that God already knows what is on our hearts and minds. Prayer is an opportunity for us to make sense of things, to prioritize our problems, come to grips with our struggles, and to feel empathy and compassion for others. The words don’t matter all that much.

But still, prayer can be hard, even if God already knows what we want to say. This is why I encourage everyone to start with the simplest prayer of all: thank you.

These are two easy words. You can utter them under your breath, shout them out loud, or have them running in your head throughout your day.

“Thank you” is an opportunity to pause and be mindful of the blessings in your life. “Thank you” is a way to appreciate the people who care for you and offer you their love. “Thank you” is a reminder that every moment is a gift, and we are called to savor all that life has to offer.

In this season of gratitude, I’m reminded of the words of the Medieval mystic Meister Eckhart: “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”

Friends, let us be grateful for the lives we have and the love we share as a community.

Happy Season of Thanks!

Pastor Aaron
United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale