Did You Pray About That?

I don't recall the specific situation; I just remember that I was mad.

I marched over to where my friend was sitting and told her the details of what happened. Her words stopped me in my tracks and defused my emotions in about half a second. She raised an eyebrow as she regarded me.

"Did you pray about that?"

I gulped, then gave a nervous chuckle. "Well, not yet. It just happened."

I went back to my seat, sufficiently scolded that I had not taken my concerns to God first. That situation was the start of a new journey for me. I knew I was instructed in the Bible to pray without ceasing, but I had not been applying the concept. I began to recall many other situations where I got upset or worried rather than handing the burden over to my Savior.

God wants to be part of our day, and more than just a genie who grants our wishes. He wants to be acknowledged and involved in everything we do.

We sometimes forget that talking with God is an honor. We have direct access to the King of Kings! That's something to get excited about! He devotes His full attention to us the moment we call on Him; we are never put on hold or told to wait our turn.


What a terrible attitude we have sometimes when trials come our way! We say dumb things like "Well, I guess all I can do now is pray." Our response must be "I get to pray! I have the ear of the Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. The Alpha and Omega. The Everlasting Father."

Prayer is a privilege. 

And yet we take it for granted, and rarely use it.

As you go about your day, here are some ways you can include God in all you do: 

THANK HIM: One psalmist says "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1) Can that be said of you? 
~  Are you grateful for that close parking spot, that quick grocery line, that favor you received from the boss or pastor, that kind word from a friend, that beautiful sunset or waterfall, that perfect dress at a discounted price? What about breath, life, family, and shelter?

ASK HIM: James tells us "you do not have because you do not ask". (James 4:2) Do you ask, even for little things? 
~  Did you seek His guidance or peace on that difficult parenting or marriage issue? What about the strength to deal with that rude co-worker or nosy neighbor? Or help in finding your lost keys? Maybe you need a new vehicle or place to live - did you ask him to provide?

GIVE TO HIM: Peter said "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1Peter 5:7) Do you worry or do you offer up your problems to Him?
~  Did you tell Him that you trust Him to heal that injury or health issue, to provide the funds you need to reach your bills, to bring you justice in that issue where you were wrongly accused?

Has prayer become a last resort or an after thought in your day? Choose instead to pray without ceasing and seek Him first!

Blessings, Jen