2:259 – Being In Jesus Means Prayer

#faithbites #faithjourney #redletterchallenge Being

I pray many times a day. I pray in thanks, I pray in pain, I pray for peace, and and I pray for guidance. Something that is interesting to me is praying over a meal in public. People get weird about it. Some are just silent, some will pray with you, but to lead the prayer is like asking someone to walk on water. This communication with God is powerful. Yet, many of us don’t use the tool. In #faithbites, we have talked about prayer over and over again. Why? Because it is calling up Dad and talking to him.

My dad died ten years ago. What I wouldn’t give to talk to him one more time. Our heavenly Father is always there, all we have to do is call him and he will answer.

Scripture

• Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – Colossians 4:2
• Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Reflection

Thanksgiving, hope, salvation, and happiness. These are things we pray for. God told us to pray, Jesus told us to pray. The Bible is filled with prayer.

Think of that phone call with a parent or loved one. I remember my first panic attack. I called my mom and didn’t know what was going on. She talked me through it, and a glass of red wine, and then it was better. If she could do that, what could the power of prayer do?

You don’t need to speak in churchenese to pray. Just say God, I love you, I thank you, and I need you. That’s it. No flowery words. Just talk and he will answer.

Challenge

Commit to prayer. Just a few minutes here or there. Trust me, it gets easier. You exercise your physical muscles and it is less sore. Exercise your prayer muscle and it will be second nature.

Prayer

Dear Father, I thank you. I thank you for your strength, your love, and your presence in my life. Help all of us as we go through the red letter challenge and through our daily lives. Let us feel your presence in everything we do. Thanks so much. Amen.