 |
| One of our Montana pics. |
I want to be one of those people who wake up in the morning praising God, one of those people whose first instinct is always to turn to their heavenly Father, one of those people who says I will pray for you and then always remembers to do it.
Ouch. I just stepped on my own toes, big time!
A few days ago, I began a study of the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament, using Nehemiah, A Heart That Can Break by Kelly Minter. Another blogger, Krystle, has been leading an online study of it this summer and I really wanted to participate, but am way behind schedule. Boo!
This morning during my quiet time of study in the book, one phrase hit me up the side of the head like a 2X4.
"We will accomplish little of eternal significance apart from prayer."
I was convicted again about MY NEED for conversations with my God. I want to fulfill my God-given purpose for living. I want to accomplish all kinds of things that will matter for all time, so I had better make some changes.
You know, God doesn't need my praise or my petitions. The rocks will cry out in praise for him if I don't. His inbox is no doubt full-to-overflowing with requests and petitions. But, you know, there may be someone who has a need or a situation that only I am aware of, a situation that God is waiting to hear about from me. I don't want to miss those opportunities any longer, and I am sorry for the times that I missed in the past.
He has prepared a way for me (and you!) to enter before his throne of grace for my own sake, for my own well-being, for my own blessing.
A relationship with anyone requires two-way communication, I know that. So why do I so often see prayer as a chore instead of a privilege?
Is there anyone else out there with this same spiritual weakness? I'm going to work on this since it doesn't come so naturally for me. I am going to become more intentional about my prayer life.
Would you care to join me? Or, perhaps you can share some tips that have helped you.
Please?
I can't wait to hear from you!
Hugs,
Linking up to...
I am convinced God allowed me to go through what I have been to get me praying. Sometimes I'm successful and other times not so much. I will be praying for both of us to get where God wants us to be in our prayer lives.
ReplyDeleteThis whole summer I have felt the same way. Then of course every thing I read is about the same thing. No accident I walked in here today is it?
ReplyDeleteWow, is all I can say. I have been really thinking about prayer and my self-centered ways too not to mention I want to leave everything to Him in prayer.
Thanks for sharing today. It helps me.
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI, too, am struggling in my prayer life! Your post said exactly what is in my heart! I feel so inadequate when I pray. I am struggling to do God's will in my life. I want to continue to pray for strength and guidance in my life. Thanks for posting this. I just happen to find this. I feel like the person in the comment above. I found your blog for a reason.
I have always struggled with this area of my walk. It's nice to know I'm not the only one. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI've started a prayer journal of sorts. I don't use it everyday, but I'm working toward it. I think it is an additional discipline with I need. Actually....I need more and more disciplines in my life. I used to think I was fairly disciplined...I'm not so sure any more.
ReplyDeleteoh, my gosh you are just like me. However, I have been improving on my morning prayers. I always remember night prayers. I have a saying over my dresser that says;" Count Your Blessings". Looking at that every morning is a good reminder that I need to open up my day with a prayer to my Heavenly Father.
ReplyDeleteBlessings for this one!
This is my first time to drop by and I will return. Living Waters by LeAnn @
http://lgwilliams.blogspot.com