Most mornings, I like to have a cup of coffee and a little something for breakfast while I read a page from my devotional book, look up the scriptures that go with it and spend some time in prayer. Now that could be done in 10 minutes or less but, for me, it could take an hour or two! I will look up the suggested scripture, but I often read much more than just the one verse. I might read a chapter or two. I might search more about the topic of the day or another topic the Lord has brought to my mind through His Word. Then I look up those verses, too! I often take notes. Sometimes I just have to post my thoughts on social media. Then there's prayer. There is nothing more precious than spending time with God in prayer.
Many years ago, when I was a young teacher, a colleague of mine became very ill. The teachers decided to meet at a local church and have prayer together. We sat in a circle, people of many different faiths, together for one purpose, that was to pray for this woman. As we went around the circle, each one who wanted to pray aloud had the opportunity to voice their petitions to God on behalf of our friend and colleague. When our time of prayer ended and we began to leave, a woman said to me, "I've never heard anyone pray like you. You talked to God as though you knew Him. It was beautiful."
This really caught me off guard. I thought to myself, "That's because I DO know Him! Don't you?"
Even today, I wonder why people pray to a God they don't really know! I am blessed and privileged to know the God of the universe, personally! I know that when I pray, He listens. He answers my prayers although not always in the way I expect. My relationship with Him is not one-sided. I pray, He listens. He speaks through His Word, through music or media, through other Christ-followers and I listen. This is how I get to really KNOW Him. Prayer. Bible study. Listening, as well as talking to Him. You can, too!
You may say, "I don't have an hour or two available in my schedule!" I get that. For many years my time with God was limited to 10 minutes or less in His Word and Pray-on-the-go kind of prayers. That's OK!
The important thing is communication with Him. Keeping Christ central in our lives and staying focused on His will for us the key to a happy life! Don't let the rush, rush, rush of job and kids and little league and dance and the TV and the family and church ( yes, even CHURCH!) keep you from spending time with God. It is in spending time with Him that you are recharged and energized for the busy life you lead, serving God and serving others, using your gifts and talents for His glory!
I have a friend who has a habit of saying, "We've just got to keep the main thing, the MAIN THING !"
To that, I say "Amen!"
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