“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,” says James. When the Men’s Ministry hosts a prayer breakfast, a sweet hour of prayer is only effectual if it takes place after the breakfast. Unless, of course, the leader is fervently praying that the eggs get cold. That one unfailingly availeth. But long petitions before breakfast are hindered by the sin harbored in the hearts of the hungry.
Seriously, men, if you start the breakfast prayer with “God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob...” you have missed the point. That’s why it’s called “saying grace” and not “Old Testament Survey.” The Israelites are crossing the Red Sea on dry ground while our waffles are getting soggy. When you finally get around to praying for the food, you had better pray it gets saved.
Elijah prayed that the rain would stop, and the rain stopped. The land had a Brown New Deal. Three and a half years later, he asked for an executive order reversing it, and there was rain again. But in neither of those cases was it recorded that there was a fellowship hall full of men waiting for their pancakes. Have mercy.
Short breakfast prayer, sweet breakfast prayer;
This is not time to overshare.
Our sausages are getting cold,
While you extend petitions bold.
If you keep your entreaties brief,
You’ll save our bellies certain grief.
We’ll be much less inclined to swear
If you keep short your breakfast prayer.