Pray pray pray
What does your “prayer life” look like? There are so many unrealistic scenarios that have been imparted on us as the way to do this thing called: prayer. Now I feel like a hypocrite because I have an extremely structured prayer schedule, but I also know that this could change at any moment. As I contemplate how a prayer life can even come into play in our busy everyday lives, I’ve been thinking back to my upbringing.
Mom taught me everything I know about prayer. I remember watching her every morning, with her coffee while sitting in her “prayer chair”, reading her prayer devotionals. Her dedication to this morning routine is an understatement. Given my personality, I witnessed this and absolutely wanted to mimic and follow in her footsteps. She bought me the subscription to the same prayer devotional she used, and I was good to go! At the age of 9, I had begun cultivating my prayer life. Looking back, it almost makes me laugh. I was more drawn to the “look” of praying, then the actual prayer. But praise be to God because He can use even that to grow deeply rooted routines that have lasted into my adulthood.
Picture to the left feat. my very own prayer chair!
Fast forward 15 years and I am still as structured and routine as my mom taught me to be through her example and witness to the faith. However, it’s not always easy to focus. It’s not always easy to prioritize. I know my experience is unique to me and most likely not everyone else’s experience. But I think through the years, what I have grown to realize is the idea of “pray without ceasing”. I have been so structured and rigid throughout my years, that I almost failed to recognize the true calling of talking to Jesus.
Jesus resides within us at ALL TIMES. He doesn’t say “see ya” once I shut my devotional, but is quietly present with me throughout my day. How cool is that? It’s not about a set time of prayer that gives you a so-called “prayer life”, but it’s about bringing Jesus into every moment that gives you a true “life of prayer”. Now this isn’t always the easiest, but it gives me some joy to know that even if my designated prayer time was distracted, I’m not cut off from Him. A day is full of little and big opportunities to bring Jesus along.
The knowledge that even if you haven’t grown up like me, doesn’t put you at any disadvantage. Jesus honestly just wants us to talk with Him every day, whatever that looks like. I always thought it was the rigid and scheduled time of prayer that brought me close to Him, but now knowing it’s about a conversation throughout the day, gives me so much peace of mind and heart.
I challenge you to look at the sky and tell Jesus, “thank you for this day”. Or when you’re experiencing a beautiful night with friends, to thank Him for the friendships he has cultivated in your life. Even in the moments of crud and annoyance, bring those to Him to. He’s there ready to be leaned on, especially in the hard moments.
