Hello God, it’s me …

Have you noticed that while prayer is the most powerful action that can be taken, we often don’t seem to realize it? You may have heard someone answer questions about helping others with the suggestion that ‘all they can do is pray’ – as if all the other (more important) actions have been handled, and ’praying’ is the left-over effort we can share. Nothing could be further from the truth!

If we enter a dark house – then run around changing light bulbs and checking connections at every outlet before trying to flip the switch we will be disappointed. Even with fresh bulbs and being ‘plugged in,’ it’s dark until we turn on the power.

Prayer is the master switch to the power in our lives. It’s our best first step – not just our last resort.

One of the most helpful definitions of prayer I’ve heard is this: ‘Prayer is a heavenly conversation between those who love each other.’  It’s communication between ourselves and our God.  It may be one-to-one, or two or more gathered together. Everything changes when we recognize that we’re in intimate conversation with our heavenly father and that He is the highest power. We come with love and respect, believing that He cares.  He does, and He can handle whatever concerns us.

Conversation with a loved one does not have to be formal.  We open our hearts and share in words or heartfelt silence. Prayer is like that. Sometimes our prayers offer joyful noise of thanks and worship. Sometimes it’s fears and requests, and sometimes it’s tears and comfort-seeking.  ALWAYS, it’s a privilege and a blessing.

In the depths of need – my prayers have sometimes been … “Ahhhhhhhhhh!” The good news is that God knows my heart and every anxious thought – so even if my approach is garbled, or I don’t know what to ask for, He hears, He sees, He understands, and He is able.

Romans 8:26

‘Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.’

Scripture continuously reminds us of our need for prayer. It’s NOT that “we’ve got to” – it’s “We get to.” We can engage in conversation with our God (every day, all day long) as His much-loved children – even when we’re not at our best, even when we feel very far from heaven, and even when we can’t find perfect words.  He hears. He cares. He delights to hear from us, and He can handle our concerns. We are never alone.

Blessings, Love, and Laughter to you,

Margaret