From early childhood, many of us will have learned to pray every day, or at least every evening. As we kneel at the side of our bed saying the words our parents have taught us, we probably have little understanding of the importance it will have in our lives. As we grow into adulthood, hopefully we begin to appreciate it. Although over the years it can become something of a habit, it is a good one.
Many of us look for a 'quiet time' either early morning or in the evening when we have a little time. We can thank God for the good things we have received and ask for his forgiveness for the mistakes we invariably seem to make, even though we are trying not to make them. Then we can ask for things that we need, or help that is required. Amen.
That's it then, all done.
But no it's not! It doesn't always work quite like that – well not for me anyway. It had become a habit to which I gave little thought really, and began to wonder why it felt like a waste of time. No sincerity seemed to pervade through my words, it had become just routine. Then I remembered someone telling me that praying was simply talking to God and you could do that any time at all. So I suppose that I don't technically just pray at certain times anymore. I find myself talking to God at any time of the day and if it looks like I'm talking to myself, does that matter? So, if something isn't quite going according to plan and then just seems to click into place, or if something nice happens unexpectedly, I find myself saying a little "thank you". Or if I realise I've got something wrong a quick apology is in order. We can carry on using our 'quiet time' to share our thoughts with God just the same.
So however you choose to pray, or talk, to God, just do it whenever and wherever you are. God loves you to talk to him and you can be sure He is listening.
Jim Finch
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