Taking a Stand ... To Kneel

What do we find so difficult about prayer? Simply put, there are a lot of variables. There's no dress code, specific location, or correct wording prescibed for prayer. As adults, no one looks over our shoulder to make sure we've said our prayers. In short, no one holds us accountable.

Most of us struggle with prayer. Even though we may have good intentions to start every day with prayer, sometimes our days blur by so fast that we forget to pray. We make a mental note to pray later, but later never comes. If it does, we rush through our prayers with hollow words.

Colossians 4:2 tells us: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

Devoted, watchful, and thankful are powerful yet simple words. We don't need fancy words or formal language to pray. We pray from exactly where are spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Real words. About real life. To a real God.

Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God. Although sometimes not stated verbally, keeping that line of communication open with God makes us aware of His presence in our everyday routine, meetings, conversations, and actions.

Philippians 4:6 tell us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Pray about everything? Absolutely. Without being anxious? You bet.

Do you remember when Moses went up on Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the law? In his absence, the Israelites committed a great sin by fashioning a golden calf idol. God's anger burned and He intended to destroy them. But Moses didn't get anxious. He began to pray. (Ex. 32:11-13)

I wasn't there, but I would suppose Moses didn't approach that prayer with neatly folded hands in a serene pose. This was a fervant, desperate prayer with passion, emotion and conviction. Those were his people God was about to smite!

Today, you and I pray about "our people." Are we as fervant in prayer about those we know who are hurting or perhaps facing dark times? Drawing close to God in prayer on a consistent basis is vital. Giving God custody of our details makes all the difference.

Taking prayer back up to the top of our impressive "to do" lists is our calling and great privilege.

It's time we take a stand ... to kneel.