Your First StepsSample

PRAY

I took this math class once where we started talking about algorithms and coding. If you want to code a computer, you have to be incredibly specific. In order to help us understand, the instructor had the class describe, step-by-step, how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

In order to be successful, we had to go into a painful level of detail . . .

Open the peanut butter jar.

Set the lid on the counter beside the peanut butter jar.

Pick up a butter knife.

Dip the butter knife into the open peanut butter jar.

Etc., etc., etc.

Making a sandwich shouldn’t be so complicated!

Sometimes, we make prayer overly complicated. If you’re following Jesus, then prayer is going to have to become a regular part of your life, not because of religious duty, but because of what prayer really is.

Prayer is communication; it’s taking time to express to God (honestly) the things that you are experiencing.

Prayer is reflection; it’s being still, and paying attention to the various ways that God is speaking and working in your life.

Prayer is gratitude; it’s being thankful for the life that God has given you.

Prayer is orientation; it’s ordering your life around what God desires as opposed to our own desires.

Don’t make it complicated; make it sincere. Prayer doesn’t have to take long, but the more that you regularly practice prayer, the more you will desire times with God.