What do you pray about? What don’t you pray about?
While out on a walk recently, I passed an area with an abundance of stunningly beautiful flowers. The shape, size, texture, smell, and colors of the flowers were amazing and after passing by I felt the instinct to go back and pause for a moment to take in and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. It was a wonderful and lasting memory.
How much beauty and goodness is in our paths daily that we might not appreciate enough or be prone to desensitization because we experience it often? To name some things… Sunsets, the sun peeking through the clouds, pristine blue skies, lakes, starry nights, the laughter of friends and family, the smell of freshly prepared food, an unexpected smile from a stranger, a hug just at the right time, rest for our weary souls, or even a mere cool drink of fresh, clean water when we are thirsty.
Too often, we rush through life, missing these moments. This brings me to a crucial eternal resource: Prayer.
The Importance of Prayer
Today’s reading: 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
As I read today’s scriptures, I realized the author (Paul, inspired by God) started this section with an important calling so we should take note.
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)
Those verses serve as a reminder to pray in all circumstances. Slow down and pray for those who are serving, suffering, preaching, and teaching.
- Out for a walk? Pray.
- Just had an argument? Pray.
- Overwhelmed with joy? Pray.
- Consumed with guilt or fear? Pray.
Reflecting on History
Our family is preparing to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland. The sufferings of the victims of the Nazi regime were unparalleled. In today’s tumultuous times, we have much to complain about yet so much to be thankful for—freedom in our country, God’s creation and blessings, and most importantly freedom and salvation in and through Jesus Christ.
May we never forget.
Will you pray with me?
Father God, forgive us for not praying enough, for putting ____________ first in our lives before our relationship with you. Forgive our selfishness, greed, and judgmental hearts. We lift up those who are suffering near and far. Deliver your servants from wicked and evil men. We ask for your Holy Spirit to speak truth in our lives, for your will to be done. Your ways are perfect, may we trust you more each day, filling our lives with more of you and less of us. Thank you for your never-ending love. Thank you for being a God who listens and responds. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice and forgiveness. Amen.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)