Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

Prayer is a buzzword for everyone in the Christian community (even for many outside the Christian community). Other religions practice prayer too. As a Christian, I look to the Bible as my guideline for teaching about prayer. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Yes! You read those words correctly – In EVERYTHING!

This contradicts our self-reliance. We have been taught by this world’s system that the answer lies within us. The God of Heaven teaches us that the answers are in Him, so we should stay in constant communion with Him about all matters of life. Easier said than done, right?

I have been in a season where I am stuck. There are habits I want to develop, but I’m stuck. Things I want to happen in my home, church, and personal life…but I’m stuck. I have relied on my own puny efforts and occasionally on the thoughts of others, and I’m still stuck. The problem is I haven’t asked God a whole lot about anything.

Today began the journey of asking God about the little things. I woke up this morning and began asking God when I should eat, what I should eat, etc. I haven’t been perfect, but it has changed my awareness. My thoughtfulness about God’s will in what seems meaningless and mundane has increased. It has improved many things for me today.

Are you praying about everything, or is the whole “leaning on your own understanding” thing working out for you? You may think you have bragging rights on being self-made, but the fall will be a lot harder when your abilities fade, even if you’re surrounded by the “comfort” of your money and investments. I don’t have that comfort, but I do have the comfort of knowing that any good thing in my life has been built by my Lord. You can have that same comfort too when you pray about EVERYTHING.