When Are You Praying?

           Halloween is almost here.  Don't forget to get some goodies for those trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood.  It's on my to do list for this week.  However today is my Sunday post and I am going to continue with the topic of prayer.  When do you feel compelled to pray?



But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.  Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

Psalms 55:16-17

         Many of us have memories of kneeling by our bedside to say our nightly blessings.  Some of our parents taught and guided us in this practice because of firm religious convictions, some as a tradition they learned from their childhoods, and maybe some just thought it was kind of cute. Likewise as children we may have been taught to pray before our meal.  Often this may have been only at an evening meal or a family gathering such as Thanksgiving.  In some cases it may have been merely a semblance of real prayer,but even if the thought alone established a prayer consciousness within us then that was a good thing.

       I think that many families today have drifted away from some of the traditions of past generations.  It's sad because the traditions of the "now I lay me down to sleep" and "God bless this food" provide a sense of security for children and togetherness for family. Many modern families rarely take time for a meal together. In today's world many of us are  far too busy to take time for prayer.  Or are we?  Perhaps it's time to stop on occasion and give thanks to God or at least meditate on the good fortunes that bless so many of us.



 In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. 
 Psalms 86:7 

          It's so typical for us to forget about God most of the time, but suddenly want Him to do something when we are in trouble.  Perhaps this is just human nature. When everything is going great and you're on top of the world it's all, "Look at what I've done for myself-- I'm a motived hard-working achiever."  Then when things crumble around you, disaster strikes, illness brings you down, or others fail you, you then remember God and it becomes, "Oh what did I do to deserve this --Please God get me out of this mess!" When things get really bad then that's when you want to call to God -- on your schedule.  Go ahead, even though you may have forgotten about God in your past, God never forgot about you. 


Be merciful to me, O Lord; for I cry to You daily. Psa 86:3

           Start praying on God's schedule.  Don't just wait for the times of trouble, but praise God and pray to God everyday.  If you get in the habit of talking to God it gets easier.  You don't think about it, you just do it.


"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).


           Even if you don't believe in God or don't accept Jesus Christ as your redeemer, there is some good psychology behind prayer.  And if you don't like calling it prayer, then don't.  Think of it as a thought process in which your state of mind is joyous, thankful, and always aware of the many ways in which you have been blessed, are blessed now, and will be blessed in the future. Keeping your mind in this state is healthier and will bring you greater peace and contentment in your life.  I really don't think anyone can deny this and be able to support their argument.  However, in my opinion accepting the existence of God-- your creator, saviour, liberator--makes life so much easier. Let God provide you His strength and you can deal with anything.  Talk and walk with God and you have a friend who will never ever let you down.



But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31