Simple Honest Prayers

It is much easier to fit in with the world around us than it is to stand out and live differently as Jesus called us to do.  But as true disciples of Christ we know that our lives will be more blessed when we follow His instructions. The lifestyle that Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount is the complete opposite of what is accepted and expected in the world we live in.

Jesus began His message by saying, “You have heard it said”….. and then added, “But I say.”  He made it very clear that His ways are not the world’s ways and His instructions for His followers will be radically different from world views, which will make us stand out as beacons of hope and light to others.

Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply.  Matthew 6:6-7

I reset my Fitbit this week and have begun to monitor my daily steps again. One of the features of the watch is the relax button. When you push this button it begins by telling you, “Be still, take slow deep breaths.” Then a two-minute process of watching a white button get larger as you inhale and smaller as you exhale begins. The watch pulsates when to inhale and when to exhale so that you can close your eyes and truly take a moment to rest.

It is surprising what just a few minutes of quiet can do to your spirit. Imagine what a few minutes of quiet time with God could do for your soul.

After a busy day, I knew I needed some God time, so I went to my prayer room, sat down, and took a few moments to breathe as I invited God into that space. I needed and wanted His presence and the peace that comes with it. Just like with the watch breathing exercises, I inhaled asking for His peace, and exhaled knowing He was present.

He was fully aware of the events of the day and knew that all I truly needed was a few quiet moments with Him. No distractions. No noise. Just peaceful communion with God. The cares of the world melted away with each breath and when I was in the place of receiving from God, He blessed me with clear direction that would make the upcoming week a thing of joyful expectation rather than dread. Thank you, Lord.