“Why?” My little girl in a pony tail innocently asked. She was three and had to know the reason for EVERYTHING.
She also asked about a thousand other questions daily.
How does this work?
What makes the batter into cookies?
Why do I need to drink milk?
I treasured naptime during that era. When she toddled after me, peppering me with questions, I would stop what I was doing, kneel, look her in the eye and answer what I knew. I marveled at her thought process. I could see the wheels turning! I also appreciated that to her, I was the wisest woman in the world.
She thought I knew everything!
She treasured my words, often repeating their profound wisdom to Daddy when he returned from work.
She trusted my answers. She may not always understand exactly what they meant, but no matter, Mommy had said it, it must be.
She knew I would speak the truth. She had no reason to doubt my words.
As she grew up, she continued to seek out my opinion. She knew I would give it to her straight. She knew I would speak truth, speak the words she needed to her, not just words she want here.
We have a Heavenly Father who doesn’t mind us stumbling around this world He created, peppering our prayers with a barrage of questions. Unlike moms who grow weary, He doesn’t eagerly anticipate nap time.
He loves constant communication with us. In fact, He tells us to do just that in I Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray constantly.” (HCSB)
He loves when we voice opinions and ask His.
He treasures our words and wants us to treasure His.
He will always be truthful. He can’t lie. (Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2)
We can be sure He will tell what we need to hear, not just what we want to hear. And, He will speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
Maybe you find as I do, sometimes, especially when I am too busy, it’s hard to hear His voice. I find I need to slow down, and initiate the conversation before I can clearly hear His voice.
I need to practice I Thessalonians 5:17. Pray constantly.
How?
Upon awakening, I can thank Him for another day.
On my morning commute, I can pray for the children and families associated with the school I pass.
As I unload the dishwasher for the third time that day, I can thank Him for people to love and food to eat.
And, as I’m talking, I need to practice listening for the words He places on my heart. He’s really good at calming my racing thoughts, speaking encouragement to my heavy heart, and revealing truths my spirit needs to embrace.
By redirecting my focus to Him, I realize I don’t need to know all the answers to this life, because I know the One who does.
As I pray, often Scripture comes to mind, directing me, convicting me, and comforting me.
I treasure His word.
As His guidance steers my steps, decides my decisions, and settle my soul, I know I can trust Him. As I waver between my wants and my will to follow Him, I know which is the truth, and which will be my saving grace and will set me free.
Maybe the idea of establishing a prayer habit throughout the day seems daunting. Maybe like me, the desire is there, but honestly, the day has a way of running off, events crowding out thoughts of prayer.
No judgement!
Start with identifying three places you frequent throughout the day: the computer, the dishwasher, and the TV, for example.
Attach a sticky note in those places with “I Thess 5:17” written on it.
Every time you see one, say a prayer.
Repeat daily, and in a few weeks you’l have built both a new habit and a deeper faith. That practice will draw you closer to God, and He promises when we do that, He will also draw nearer to us. (James 4:8)
I find I am often like that three-year-old, wildly wondering about this world, God who created it, and my part in it.
I Thessalonians has taught me, yes pray constantly.
Ask questions.
Practice gratitude.
And seek out my Heavenly Father, because He is seeking out me.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for the invitation to be in constant communication when You. Remind me of that privilege and help me to practice it. May I hear Your voice on my heart and feel Your peace in my soul. In Jesus’ name, Amen.