HOW TO PRAY

At 6:02am, he came in asking for 2 milks...without saying good morning, he asked.

 

Knowing what he'd want before he made request, my mother's heart wanted to give so I began, then realized.

 

"Hey Buddy, how about saying good morning to your mama first?"

 

"Good morning, Mommy. May I have 2 milks please?"

 

And when I offered his mug I waited for the thank-you, his eyes fixed on his 2 milks instead of me.

 

"Thank you," he said, just barely looking up. And how I love this child!

 

I know he loves me too, but I still crave time with him and even thank-yous.

 

. . . . . .

 

There it was, the ton of bricks the Lord intended for me this morning...and every morning, noon, night.

 

He loves me. He offers good gifts. He knows what I need and even want before I have to ask.

 

He listens when I present my requests to Him and He is able to give more than I can imagine.

 

It's His pleasure to bless me, His child.

 

But our God is a relational God. He desires communion with us and has taught us how to pray.

 

"For your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Pray then like this:

 

'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.^'"

Matthew 6:8-13

 

Lord, remind me continually how you would have me pray. Help me to keep my eyes on you daily, to greet you first each day with praise, to seek communion with you even before presenting requests, and to do it all with genuine thanksgiving in my heart.

 

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

James 4:8

 

Lord, may we all be more focused on you than anything else, especially self or circumstances, receiving your will as perfect, wise, and good.  May we find peace and rest for our souls as we turn our gaze upon you continuously, because we trust in you. And may we be content, grateful for your patience and love and that your Word teaches everything we need to know in life...and even how to pray.

 

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

Isaiah 26:3