Prayer and a Cup of Coffee

By Del Duduit

For me, there is nothing more relaxing than a good cup of coffee. Many of my writer friends share my taste of the perfect blend. For several of us, it’s an acquired love and essential passion.

To sit on my back patio on a fall morning and partake in a soothing cup of coffee is a pure joy. The same is true after a fine meal in a restaurant – especially in combination with tiramisu.

A cup of joe brings people together. When Angie and I have family over for Thanksgiving or Christmas, one of the first priorities we take care of is to fill up the pot. And it’s gone quickly.

The fragrance alone sends instant soothing sensations throughout the house. A fine brew is a wonderful aroma. There is a sense of family and togetherness — it just captivates with a homey ambiance.

A cup of coffee can inspire, comfort, and prepare me for the day all at the same time. I enjoy a black cup of coffee. Nothing added. I prefer the natural taste and shy away from the flavors. I’m not a complicated guy.

There are several health benefits for coffee drinkers too.

• Two cups of coffee can decrease post-workout pain by 48% (but I don’ workout now due to a back issue, so I’ll keep that on the burner for when I start again.)
• Six cups of coffee per day will lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 22% (but that much might keep you awake for 23 out of 24 hours.)
• There is credible evidence to suggest caffeine can protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
• People with Parkinson’s disease are less likely to be coffee drinkers or smokers. (Just make sure you don’t develop lung cancer.)
• Research has found that people who drink 3-5 cups of coffee each day are less likely to develop heart disease.
• A 10-year study of more than 86,000 female nurses showed a reduced risk of suicide in coffee drinkers. Another study determined that women who drink four cups of coffee daily are 20% less likely to suffer from depression. (that’s because they are too hyped up to be discouraged.)

Of course, too much of a good thing can have negative effects.

Excessive amounts of coffee can cause you to have high blood pressure, and also lead to breast tissue cysts in women. Insomnia is a biggie. Plus, there is an increased risk of gout. And oh yea, it can leave a stain on your teeth which might be hard to remove.

Given the side effects, I’ll take my chances and smile with my mouth closed so as not to disgust anyone.

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I have a similar affinity for prayer. Along with a blissful cup of coffee, it’s the best way to begin a day. At the same time, it makes for a wonderful nightcap.

When we have family gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, we all gather around and pray before the meal.

A prayer to the Lord in the time of trial comforts much more than coffee. A timely discussion with the Lord can also inspire and prepare me for the day.

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According to Psychology Today, there are benefits to a healthy prayer life.

A Pew Research Poll had fascinating results.

• Prayer improves self-control.
• Prayer makes you nicer.
• Prayer makes you more forgiving.
• Prayer increases trust.
• Prayer offsets the negative effects of stress.

I find it remarkable that a psychology publication had to conduct a study to prove what I already knew. But, they failed to ask me for my opinion. The most important benefit was not included in the research so I’ll add it to the list.

• Prayer can save your soul. Just pray and ask God for forgiveness.

What are the side effects of prayer? None! Even the stain of sin is removed.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26

Prayer is a great and essential part of my life. I don’t always go and ask God for things. Instead, sometimes, I thank Him for all of life’s blessings. I need to do that more often. There is no conditional conversation between me and the Lord. I give thanks and praise and present my needs. He already knows them, but it’s good when I acknowledge them too. I often will hint at certain occurrences to happen but accept the answer even if it’s NO.

If presented with a choice between coffee and prayer, I’d have to take the latter. As much as I would like to think I cannot survive without coffee, I know I can’t go a day without talking to my Heavenly Father.

Besides, I could always ask Him for coffee.

“Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God.” Philippians 4:6

How is your prayer life? Do you find it as essential as a cup of coffee? I have to pray. I don’t have to have coffee – I simply like the drink. I need prayer to survive.

What are your thoughts on both?

When is the last time you prayed? It’s never too late. You can seek forgiveness today.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

Once you do this, the next cup of coffee is on me.