Praying to God is like meeting with a doctor. You take a list of questions with you to ask. You write down the things that are bothering you to tell him. You have just so much time at the appointment and don’t want to forget anything important. Sometimes one leaves the appointment with useful information. It may be a phone number to call or a test to schedule. Other times, one leaves with a sense of peace and tranquility that all is pretty natural and normal. A sigh of relief is always pleasant answer.
Once every 10 days or so, I blog about faith. Today is one of them. There have been a few spiritual mentors in my life. My father was one of them. He’d walk into church on a Sunday morning and hesitate inside the entrance. He’d focus on the Altar and thank God for the past week. I have used that time as my opening prayer for many years since he shared that habit with me. Just being thankful is so very calming and helps me to gather my thoughts.
When I sit down to pray I often have my ongoing list. I thank God for the things that hav
e been resolved. I may not appreciate the way things have worked out, but many times the answer is better than I thought possible. I have the requests for friends and for things I need help with that I ask Him about. I jokingly say that “the Lord knows me well, because I talk with Him often”, but it isn’t a joke! Scripture, songs, formal prayers, and ongoing conversations connect us to God. I use all of them.
When things are answered in a way contrary to our understanding, I guess we just stay the road and keep praying. Only God knows how things will play out. Now is not the time to stop praying!
I try to apologize for the times I have messed up. I think there may be plenty of moments when I unintentionally hurt others. I apologize and ask that He fix up my errors. I ask for healing for others in pain, in the hospital, or alone. When I am anxious or annoyed, I may request insight and help. So many times, a situation develops that has to have been sent my way in response. It has to be the Holy Spirit because the timing is so right!
My day starts with a prayer and ends that way. Throughout the day, I lift up even the smallest thoughts for insight. It is a good thing God is on duty 24/7 for all of us. How often do you take time to converse with him? He is waiting for you to check in; no need for an appointment. Feel free to bring your list.
Enjoy your day and “Delight in Living”.