Day 2

Present in Prayer

Sometimes, when we pray, there is a tendency to just rattle off some words and ask for the things we need. Or, maybe we offer up a quick, passing prayer for someone else in need. In those moments, prayer can be just about “doing” it, and can often feel empty and impersonal. Have you been there?

Thankfully, Jesus modeled perfectly for us how we should approach God in prayer when He taught us to pray, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name! [Matthew 6:9] Prayer is about relationship and intimacy with God, our holy and awesome Father. It is an invitation we are given as followers of Jesus! We have received the Spirit of adoption into the family of God; we are children of God and we, too, can cry out to Him as “Abba, Father”.

This is an invitation to engage God as Father. Our perfect heavenly Father, who loves, accepts, and longs to be in relationship with us. And like Jesus, the choice to pull away and create space and time to just be with Him, unrushed and quiet, allows us to sit in His presence, hear His voice, and receive.

Yes, God is holy, awesome, all-powerful and vast. Yet, He is also completely aware and in the details of our lives. High and lifted up, yet close and longing to be with us. In humble surrender we will find peace, joy, and hope as we come to Him in prayer. Ask God to help you reset your awareness of His presence and of His desire to draw near to you today.