Prayer
by Tanya Person
I was asked recently, “How many times a day do you pray?” I hadn’t really thought about it in that way before, but suddenly I felt God gave me the answer, “That’s like asking how many times a day I talk to my husband!” When we are in a relationship, we communicate regularly with the people with whom we are in relationship. We don’t communicate because someone told us we should, we communicate because we love them and want to share our lives with them.
This scripture came to my mind, ‘Pray without ceasing’. Such a short scripture, but one that gets questioned often. “How can I pray without ceasing? I have to talk to people and do my work!”
I think it is important to remember that prayer is not a script that we have to pray. It is communicating spirit to Spirit with our Lord, the one who loves us, who gave himself in the form of his Son so that we can be reconciled to the Father.
In our earthly relationships, sometimes we may get busy and forget to communicate, but if we want a strong relationship, we repent and focus on communicating better. If you feel that you have not been communicating with God as you should, the answer is the same. Repent and focus on communicating better. He is ready and waiting.
Remember, too, that communication is two-way. God has not stopped communicating with you. Listen for His voice. We can say, as Samuel did in 1 Samuel 3:10, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening’. Then take the time to listen and hear what He is saying to you.
May we all increase in our communication with our Heavenly Father and be able to pray continually, without ceasing, as we walk through this life.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for the times I have not communicated with You as I should. Help me to pray without ceasing. And help me to remember to listen so I can hear Your voice directing me. Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening! Amen.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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