written by Kimberly Edwards
1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us “pray continually.” It is easy to just read those verses and skip over them without taking them to heart.
Jesus was constantly in prayer and conversation with God! He showed us how to leave the crowds behind and make time to listen to God, especially at the end of some of His busiest days.
Just the other day, feeling fully frustrated with my incredibly independent 1 year old who found it in her nature to defy my every simple request, out of desperation I found myself on my knees with my head bowed on the ground, praying for patience and obedience. To my surprise, this had a positive response and my daughter came and obeyed.
Later that day, the same events were occurring, so I again, bowed my head in a little bit less frustration and began praying again...This time my 4-year-old saw what was happening and asked, “Mom, what are you doing?” My simple response was to look up and say, “I’m praying right now for patience and peace.”
I didn’t have to preach a sermon, I didn’t have to give a lecture, all I had to do was be in obedience to God as shown by my actions. My hope is to lead a life of example for my kids. I hope that they can see at my most frustrating times, my most joyous times, my most quiet times, my most busiest times that I am on my knees in prayer to our Maker. That it’s not just a bed time ritual or a meal time ritual, rather it is out of sheer reliance on God that we cry out “Abba, Father. Forgive me. Give me the strength to be like Jesus. Silence my accuser. Focus my thoughts on You.”
There was a crossed stitched picture which hung in the home that I grew up in and it read, “If your day is hemmed in prayer, it is less likely to unravel.” May we live a life trusting in Him, leaning on Him, professing our love and adoration, in constant prayer and communion with our Maker.