Praying?

Welcome friends to another week. I hope your week has been a good one and that God has blessed you. I came across a book called Bible Boot Camp for Military Women by The Military Women of Planting Roots. It made me think of my prayer life. That said, prayer is communication between our father and his children. My friends, I am here to tell you, prayer does change things in our lives. Please allow me to explain how I used to pray. I prayed when I needed something. I always ran to God to fix whatever mess I made for myself. He was the quick fix and someone to fill my desires, “Mom, I need….” Dad, did you…? However, prayer is not like that. It is not a pass for getting things. It is thoughtful and sincere communication before a holy God.

Is your prayer sincere? Mine was not. When I was Catholic, I said my Hail Marys; I can still recite it today. However, it did not do anything for me. These prayers were cookie-cutter prayers and not sincere. They were, I messed up and need to go to confession prayers. Once I left the church, my prayers did not improve. Frankly, God had not saved me yet. I did not recognize the need for genuine prayer. I have learned since that prayer comes from the heart. It should reflect one’s need to communicate with God, not checking off a box. No one fools God. He knows when our prayers are from the heart or just a box to check off. I used to be the person checking off the box. Done!. I did not feel any different than before I began. I am sure God was not pleased with me. Seldom did I give my full attention to him. I was always praying on the run. Or I prayed when problems arose, but I did not pray because I wanted to talk with him.

God tells us to 17. Pray without ceasing. 18. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.

Friends, it is tough to pray, especially when life does not go our way or we expect a different result. However, God tells us to do just that. Pray when life is rough; pray when life is good. Thank him for little blessings. Give thanks for the simplest things such as sunshine, snow, food, or a good vet visit. The following are some thought-provoking questions? Do I pray about everything? When I pray, do I stand or kneel? Do I pray for others? Do I only pray when I need something or in a jam?

I have painfully learned I am not the boss; we are his creation. I still struggle in this area. It has been a long journey to say the least. I continue working on my prayer life. The easiest time to pray is when we have had trials that rocked our world. We know we need him then. It is hardest to pray when life is going great. God is always listening. He wants to hear from us.

God Bless,

Dorothy

Man praying