“Father, I need you.”
Those four simple words have saved me more times than I can count. When ends didn’t meet, and bills were overdue, help arrived. When I needed a way out of a bad situation, a window suddenly opened. When I thought I’d reached the end, there was a staircase beyond what appeared to be the point of no return.
That simple prayer, time and again, ushered in help at my greatest point of need. Desperation makes praying knees go deeper. Those four powerful words do battle with pride, plans, and ego-driven power.
ASKING FOR HELP
Those four words replace pride with humility. Hubris is often a hindrance to much-needed help. The speaker must shake off embarrassment, self-pity, shame and boldly ask for assistance. That is often the greatest challenge. Despite academic degrees, accomplishments, status (or perceived status), and carefully crafted plans, we are still vulnerable to life’s challenges. Shed the shame because God is in the remodeling business.

Those four words acknowledge God has a job to do. So let Him. After all, He is the Alpha and the Omega. Nothing under the sun is new to Him. No deed—good or bad—is a surprise. If there’s one place we can bare it all, it is with Him. One of my dearest friends always says, “You can’t keep a secret from God. It’s not like He doesn’t already know.”
RECEIVING HELP
Those four words are an announcement that help is not in the Band-Aid that goes on the scraped knee, but instead The Healer with the bandage; He is the source. Scripture warns against putting faith in people (Psalm 118). And yet, it’s often the first place we turn to for help. We pick up the phone instead of taking a problem into prayer. Our confidence lies in the direction we’re looking (and sometimes speaking). So head up, eyes ahead.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help.” (Psalm 121)
Those four words release us from the human prerequisites we place on whom and from where our help should come. We are simply saying there is a need and we place no limitations on from where it should arrive. Help can come in many forms. It can be family, friends, coworkers or even a stranger. Sometimes where the help comes from is part of the lesson. This is especially true when we must help ourselves.
GIVING HELP
When we’re rooted in the real source of our help, we’re more inclined to help others. Go back to those four simple words. What if we speak a specific name instead of focusing on ourselves?
“Father, (the name of your choice) needs you.”
There, a prayer released into the atmosphere is like a swift dispatcher running to relay an urgent message. Rest assured; help is on the way.