A daughter would never be proud of herself for asking her Dad for help because she’d had a bad dream. She’d never boast about that—it’s not impressive. But that’s what prayer is too: it’s asking for help. It’s humbling.
That same child would never wake up in the night, and say “Father, I have just had an extremely unsettling and distressing dream, and now I’m experiencing a rather overwhelming sense of trepidation and apprehension. I feel rather vulnerable and, frankly, quite terrified. Can you please reassure me that everything is secure and that nothing ominous will occur?” No! The child screams “Dad! Help!” Because he’s her Dad and she knows he loves her. Dad doesn’t need to be won over with long words!
It’s the same with prayer.
