Lawyers and Prayer
Many would consider the idea that lawyers pray nonsensical. After all, we view ourselves as godlike, don’t we? The explanation is that some of us at least are all too aware of our very human limitations.
Temptation
This is a profession that takes a heavy toll. Like those in other service professions (medicine, for instance), lawyers deal on a regular basis with suffering and loss. We deal on a regular basis with human frailties. We confront evil head-on, sometimes conceding to it.
Since the authority entrusted to us is great, the temptations are, as well. We walk the halls of power, regularly flattered by those who want something from us. The highs and lows of our careers impact our egos, not to mention our families.
Responsibility
We strive to articulate timeless truths; face almost daily ethical challenges; struggle to reconcile ephemeral concepts with practical realities.
Much rests on the outcome of our efforts. That weight bears down heavily on us. It drives us to high rates of divorce, alcoholism, and drug abuse.
Justice
Above all, we long for justice in an unjust world. That desire motivates us. Oh, a few may be distracted by financial gain. But those who trade their values and talent for mere gain, ultimately find they have made a bad bargain.
Faith
Most thinking individuals faced with these challenges will, at one time or another, consider their spiritual dimension. Why is the world unfair? Why do the good suffer? How can good ever hope to overcome evil, without adopting evil means?
If we look to the world for answers to these questions, we are bound to be greatly disappointed. Answers do, however, exist. My own journey, in search of them, took me through existentialism and atheism. Ultimately, it led me back to Christ.
ANNA WALDHERR
Copyright 2001-2023 Anna Waldherr. All rights reserved.
A Lawyer's Prayers 
Thank you for your encouragement!
Blessings,
A.
It seems we all have to wander a while for answers…I too tried on a few things for size – when I realized I didnt have the answers, I headed to the source of all knowledge, the word of God. I think that is just the way the journey goes…still walking it, still looking for answers…just now in Him alone. Like your blog. A keeper. Well done!
Many thanks!
setyourpathsstraight, I’m happy for you.
I really liked what you said. You explained something I didn’t know. I’ll reblog this. Keith
Thank you, Keith! And Happy New Year!
Anna,
God bless you – your writing, work, family and life.
I look forward to reading your blog.
Found this passage below…while on the way to copying a prayer in Hebrews chapter 13…
It’s exciting to find such pearls of wisdom!
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence” [Psalm 33:18]…
Here is what I wanted to share with you. This is a prayer for you too ~
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21, ESV).
Blessings
DJ
Thank you for the prayer, DJ. It is obvious that you study Scripture closely. You may not know, but the image of the Good Shepherd has special relevance for me. I had lost my faith, but was again found by Him.
Blessings,
A.
Anna,
I fell away for several years, turning to my own ways (Isaiah 53:6).
It was a very difficult time between 2009-2010 (Psalm 88).
Then one Saturday afternoon – He spoke to me, bringing me out of “darkness” by saying in a quite voice, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
That phrase awoke my spirit and the darkness broke.
That weekend I found the poetry (hymns) of John Newton. Not only the familiar hymn “Amazing Grace” but others that I identified with completely. This in just one of many.
“I would, but cannot sing,
Guilt has untuned my voice;
The serpent sin’s envenomed sting
Has poisoned all my joy
I know the Lord is nigh,
And would, but cannot, pray;
For Satan meets me when I try,
And frights my soul away.
I would but can’t repent
Though I endeavor oft;
This stony heart can ne’er relent
Till Jesus make it soft.
I would but cannot love,
Though wooed by love divine;
No arguments have pow’r to move
A soul so base as mine.
I would, but cannot rest
In God’s most holy will;
I know what He appoints is best,
Yet murmur at it still!
Oh could I but believe!
Then all would easy be;
I would, but cannot, Lord relieve,
My help must come from Thee!
But if indeed I would,
Though I can nothing do,
Yet the desire is something good,
For which my praise is due.
By nature prone to ill,
Till Thine appointed hour
I was as destitute of will,
As now I am of pow’r.
Wilt Thou not crown, at length,
The work Thou hast begun?
And with a will, afford me strength
In all Thy ways to run” (John Newton).
He made me lie down and led me to where I could drink the pure water, putting me on His paths for a reason (Psalm 23:1-3). You’re reading some of what He led me to understand.
I think and believe He called you back to Himself for a reason and for a great purpose too. The coming months will require a special, deep abiding faith (Psalm 23). By what you shared with me – He is obviously your Shepherd…
Blessings
Psalm 25
I love the poems of John Newton. They speak to my soul. Whether God’s purpose for my life is great or small, I pray that I may fulfill it. Your story is very moving.
Blessings,
A.
Justice is truth put in action. God bless you for your efforts to stay true to the TRUTH of God.
Thank you, Marianne.
Very powerful. Thank you for another inspiring post.
I appreciate the compliment. Blessings, A.
Anna, YOU are not the average lawyer. Your compassion for the abused and hurting is not normal among those in your profession from what I have seen and I thank God very much for who you are and your great heart.
I just went through a legal matter where I was called in to testify about…a local business…They stole over $1.6 million dollars from local people over the last five or more years and got a mere slap on the hands for it. The owner got 6 months in jail and his grown daughter that was in cahoots with him didn’t get any jail time at all…
…Some of the victims lost over $100,000 each of money that was supposed to be for their retirement and for the estate of their handicapped kids. Restitution to the victims? Yeah, you bet! These perpetrators rat-holed all their assets away out of reach until after their probationary period is over, so fat chance that will happen!
Anna, myself and the other victims have concluded that the legal system in American is self-serving for the most part and that the laws are not there to protect the victims, but rather to be selectively enforced so that they protect the legal system, the government and its friends. This whole thing was a very rude awakening for us all. I feel sorry for any lawyers that are in that profession who are trying to get justice for the innocent victims they represent. You are in my prayers, dear sister.
Michael in Coeur d Alene, Idaho
I am deeply sorry that the system failed you, Michael. All too often it seems stacked against the “little guy”. We can tell ourselves that the scales will be balanced in the next world, if justice has not been done here. And I do believe that. But there can meanwhile be enormous damage done. The entire experience must have been terribly painful for you, and the rest of your neighbors. I am sure for some it will have permanent consequences.
Thank you for your kind words about me. Though I do not deserve such high praise, I am gratified you think so well of me. You are in my prayers, also.
Anna, I am so sorry it has taken me this long to get back to you. Again, your reply shows your dear heart that Jesus abides in with His great love. I deeply appreciate who you are, dear sister. Thanks for your prayers as you are in mine as well.
Michael
I am grateful for the compassion, professionalism, humor and courage of my late lawyer. He was a true gentlemen advocate and is greatly missed by many. Your reflections on lawyers and prayer resonate with me and are very healing.
J P Erickson
That is one of the greatest compliments anyone has ever paid me. It sounds as if your lawyer was a very special person.
Pride is always a barrier to faith. People in professional or highly visible positions just seem to have a bigger barrier than most. However, no barrier is too big for God!
Amen!
So glad to have come across your blog. You are truly a “wordsmith” and with precision can express some heart beats into words. I have a book with three titles (not published – yet !!) viz. My Book of Words or A Collection of Inteligences and Stupidites or just plain : Other Peoples Sayings.
These words of yours have made it into my “book” “We strive to articulate timeless truths; face almost daily ethical challenges; (and the one that hit a home run with me) struggle to reconicle ephemeral concepts with practical realities” That may be true, not only for lawyers, but for followers of Christ too. Love your writing, love your heart !
I also take issue with povery; but on a different level that tries to express itself in words, sometimes deeds. As we look at “Poverty” in all its manifest forms of ugliness the best for us is to keep our eyes on Jesus.
I cannot tell you how much this means to me, Carol. I am deeply grateful you feel this way. God bless you. ❤
You have been tagged:
https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/162822114/posts/5903
Many thanks! ❤
Although I am muslim, I agree with you on the power of prayer. I would hope that lawyers and judges who can hold life and death in their hands, would take time out and seek it out.
I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you for stopping by.
Greetings in Jesus Might name! I am blessed and drilled to read your wonderful and touching website which has touched my heart so much and I am feeling to work with you hand in hand to build the kingdom of our most High God and to SET the captives free and free in Jesus name as the book of Isaiah 42:7 states!
Our prayers to you as a young church down here in Eastern part of Kenya is to welcome you to feel free to come over here and hold a crusade/conference/Revival meetings and minister to us,teach, baptize us, ordain pastors and establish your work here since we are working independently without a good foundation ground of God’s word. As a young church worshiping under shade! We request for your love, prayers and support to help us with:
-Bibles in our local language EKEGUSII to help us grow and understand His word better as we hunger and thirst of His word brethren please.
Let His will be Done brethren as you read this message and feel free to help on how He will lead you!
Be blessed and please let us devote ourselves in serving Him in Truth and Spirit since we don’t have any extra time left to waste!
In Christ Jesus,
Al and Mukiri
Maua Christian Worriors Fellowship.
P.O.BOX.306-60600 MAUA.
Email:mauachristianworriors@gmail.com /Whatsapp no/+254742031349
Psalms 58:10-11
I am honored that you would extend this offer. Unfortunately, age and illness prevent me from traveling. My best advice is that you remain grounded in the Word of God. But I will gladly pray for you.
Blessings,
A.
Thank you for the plug! There are good and bad lawyers the same way there are good and bad shoe salesmen. The difference is that the profession puts us in positions of trust. Someone’s life, liberty, and welfare can quite literally depend on us. That’s not a responsibility to be taken lightly. Power and pressure have a tendency to reveal character flaws. But I am proud to have been a lawyer. It is the profession to which, I believe, God called me.
Thank you so much for this award. I am deeply honored.