Prayers in the Dentist Chair

There I was, confined in the dentist chair. I had received the numbing shots and was just waiting for them to take effect. Meanwhile, the dentist is working with other patients. What do I do in the meantime? I’ve already noticed everything there is to notice in the small room. I’ve already considered the other places I’d rather be and the other things I’d rather be doing. What can I even do, tilted back, getting numb?
I can pray. I don’t need any special tools or devices to pray. I just needed to ask, “What should I being praying about?” and the ideas immediately started flowing in. My first prayer is one of thanksgiving that I have a great dentist that cares about my wellbeing. And off I go! Praying for those who are sick.

Praying for my family, for the scary events of the world and the people suffering because of them, for two churches I know of that are prayerfully seeking a pastor, for my co-workers who are struggling with various issues, and so much more.

I lost track of how much time had passed but I felt like the time was so productive! When my dentist apologized for the delay, I realized what a blessing it had been! If only I had more time to pray like this. And then it occurred to me: I do have time. I should make the time. To be able to come to God in prayer is a blessing and honor.

Consider this passage from the Bible: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

There are two forms of prayers mentioned here. One is to speak words. They can be your own words or ones that you read from a prayer book. Both are good and beneficial, and pleasing to God. The other form of prayer is “the meditation of my heart.” This can be unspoken, unwritten communication with God that can happen whenever, wherever. It can be just a few thoughts quickly sent out to God, or an ongoing expression of what is on your heart. It, too, is beneficial and pleasing to God.

We are even promised that the Holy Spirit will intercede for us in our prayer life when we don’t even know what to pray. I am praying for that right now as I continue to collect these thoughts. We are assured in Romans 8:26 that “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” I think you have experienced these groans. Something heavy on your heart. So heavy you don’t even now how to pray about it. The first words that come to mind are, “Help me, Lord!” That’s a good start. The Holy Spirit can take it from there.

Reread the passage: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14. What is this psalm writer concerned about? It’s that his prayer will be pleasing in God’s sight. Just about any prayer offered to God in honest reverence is going to be pleasing to Him. It doesn’t have to be fancy, use complicated words, or rhyme. Just share what’s on your heart and mind.

Pray about your concerns, but also pray for others. It is a privilege to do so. Paul declares, “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16. You can play a valuable role in the lives of others by lifting them up in prayer.