Published 5/15/19
Read 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Reflect
• What does it mean to humble ourselves and pray? Why is this important?
• What kinds of things keep you from praying?
• How can being too busy destroy a prayer life?
Life gets busy, which means that too often prayer is bumped to a few quick words of thanks before we eat. Or it becomes a series of stress-induced pleas--as we face an agitated boss ... a disappointed spouse ... a disobedient child.
Yet our desire is to be in the presence of God. And we have been given this amazing ability to speak directly to the creator of the universe. Stop and think about that for a minute. We, the created, have direct access to God, the creator. Anytime, anywhere, we can have a conversation with our Lord. As we connect, the Spirit will guide us through our words and desires. But we must all admit that it is sometimes difficult to spend time in prayer. We get tired, stressed, distracted, and we feel rushed when we attempt to spend time with God. Even Jesus' closest friends couldn't stay awake as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Jesus was distressed as He prayed that night. Three times he came back to His friends to find them asleep. So, it's not just a struggle for the modern-day believer. People have always had obstacles as they try to draw closer to God.
The solution: Just do it. Get busy and pray!
Pray
Lord Jesus, please help me to manage life when it gets so busy. Restore peace and balance. My relationships with You and my family are my priorities. Amen.