Thankful for Prayer
I woke up this morning to rain! That might not sound like a big deal especially because by the time I left the house I was wearing flip-flops. Nonetheless, I was very excited because Orange County California is just so mild. We really have to appreciate it when we get any kind of “weather” that isn’t a somewhat sunny day with highs in 70s and lows in the 50s. When it’s barely 60 degrees here everyone is bundled up. It’s so funny to read blogs of friends who live in other states who are writing about their first snow and the 30 degree weather or posting beautiful pictures of colorful autumn trees. We just don’t experience the four seasons like other states do. But I enjoy California and I’m glad that we had rain for a change…it sure makes it feel more like fall!
Many bloggers are posting about things they are thankful for in the month of November. At one blog I enjoy–Rebecca Writes–she has dedicated the whole month of November to write once a day about something she is thankful for. I was really encouraged by reading her and others daily thanksgiving for significant and simple things in their lives. I wanted to post something that I am thankful for and that is prayer.
Prayer is such a privilege! As I read Scripture God speaks His Words into my life and when I pray the God of all heaven and earth is listening. That is amazing! I was convicted today by the fact that I don’t always treat prayer as it is, speaking to God. Maybe because I can’t see Him physically I can treat prayer as just a spiritual discipline or something on my “to-do” list. I have sometimes been rude to God when I’m praying. I have been in mid-thought to the Lord and my mind wanders to something I need to remember to do that day and it was hours later that I realized I had been distracted. Several times I’ve been praying and fallen asleep. What if I did that to a dear friend that I could see physically, that would not be considerate of them at all!
“Pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Today I was looking up some verses on prayer and I was surprised at how many passages, like this one, mention prayer along with thanksgiving. I wondered if this was because we so often can come to God in prayer just hoping to “get.” We are having a trial, bad day, have a test or deadline and we need God’s help. We need to bring everything before Him, but we should be as equally thankful to Him as we are in our eagerness to make requests. Being thankful in our prayers keeps our conversation with God more focused on Him than on ourselves and our needs.
We don’t pray to a god who can’t save
We pray to the God who will hear
So I will call upon You
And watch for what You will do
You’re the help of Your people
You reach down from on high
And put joy in my life
So I praise You as faithful
–“Call” by Godsong Music
November 15th, 2006
Rain is such a nice diversion for California weather. We are sporting the remnants of some snow from last weekend and planning for more. It hasn’t been above the low 40s all week… but still very pleasant (no need for coats just yet). Can you tell I’ve adjusted to my environment?
The topic of prayer has been a bit of a sore topic for me in the past (just because of how I was raised), but the way you described it and expressed thankfulness exhibits how our desire for prayer OUGHT to be. I have been learning how prayer can be refreshing and experiencing the joy and peace that fills my soul when leaving all things in God’s hands rather than trying to take care of them on my own. Such a burden lifted!
November 15th, 2006
We ourselves got a couple days of rain this weekend. The change was nice…though it reminded me of what “rainy season” is like here, which is soon arriving. Rain almost every day for a few months. Enjoy your sun!
Prayer is my “struggle” lately. Distraction and lack of depth being the main issues. Someday I will excel in BOTH study and prayer at the same time! It seems that when I master one, the other slips. Praise God that he is forgiving and understanding!
November 16th, 2006
Wendy- Thanks so much for the encouraging comment. I like how you describe prayer as a “burden lifted”…so true!
Dawn- I know what you mean about battling distractions. I do too. I’m trying to guard time during one of Tyler’s naps each day, setting it aside for time in the Word and in prayer. I have to sit away from my desk or the computer so I won’t be tempted to let my mind wander! Have you tried during Judah’s naps already? I know that focusing isn’t easy, its work! I too am comforted that God is forgiving. I’m not sure I followed what you mean about Him being “understanding” because I know that He doesn’t accept our excuses for not making time for Him…?
November 16th, 2006
I’m looking forward to the rain as well. We got a couple sprinkles (that’s pretty accurate) one morning last week I think, but it only lasted for less than 5 minutes, barely got anything wet, and was done. Then the temperatures soared back into the 80s and 90s. But while I felt those few drops, I was excited! A little taste of my native Oregon saying hello.
I agree with the Biblical reminder to be thankful in our prayers, because if we are not focused on the Lord, it is easy to only ask for things - for ourselves and others. But our greatest time of prayer is when we take the time to thank, praise, and honor our Lord. It not only gives Him the worship He deserves, but helps to focus our minds and hearts on His attributes, which then helps us see the rest of our world through His wisdom and will. That can affect how we go about praying about the other things in our lives.