Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Prayer Comes Easily

pray continually; -- (NIV)
pray without ceasing, -- (NKJV)
Keep on praying. -- (NLT)
1 Thessalonians 5:17

Prayer doesn't have to be a big production. I know. That shocks a lot of people. Some folks think the only "proper" prayer is done on one's knees and in a very formal manner. Think the Lord's Prayer. We've got to be totally focused and devote time at it. No wonder those people never seem to spend a lot of time in prayer.

I don't want to mislead anyone. I believe totally in getting down on one's knees. I believe in praising God and really spending time listening to Him and talking to Him. But I also believe that God is right there with me during every moment of the day. So I talk with Him throughout the day. He probably wishes sometimes that I would just shut up.

But doing that allows me to feel connected to Him all the time. I know. I am anyway. He's right there. Still, talking to Him helps me remember that. I'll give you an example. A few days ago, the brother-in-law of a friend had a liver transplant. She sent out word that the hospital had called with a possible match. The prayers started. The day of his transplant, he was never far from my thoughts. I repeatedly asked God to be with him and his family, to guide the doctors and others who were caring for this dear man. He was and He did. The man is up and walking around, though he still has a long recovery and still needs prayers. And every time I think of him, I lift his name up in prayer.

Of course, not all my prayers are for someone else. Sometimes my prayers are just about me. I'll ask God to hold my tongue or guide my actions, to grant me safe passage or bless the snack I really don't need. I also thank Him for the beautiful sky or the sun shining down or the special song that came at just the right moment on the radio.

And on and on. I love God so much. I want Him to be a part of every moment of every day. So I talk to Him, much like you might talk to your very best friend. He's always there, always loving and understanding. He always knows exactly what to say and what I need before even I do. I find I've got plenty of time to pray. Talking to God and listening for His response -- you can't get much better than that.