Before I hit the hay, I wanted to remind everyone of something important. It is actually so important that it impacts what happens every day of your life. What is this very powerful thing? Prayer. Prayer is so incredibly important because it is a time we can personally connect with God. Usually, I am drawn to pray about things that I want God to help me with when I am in times of need. God, however, wants us to also pray when we're thankful, happy, sad, or depressed. God wants us to pray at all times of the day in every situation. Better yet, it doesn't matter how you pray. God does not require you to be in church, in front of a large group of people, or even bowing on your knee s. God just wants to talk to you. He is your best friend that misses hearing from you. God gets sad when you forget to talk to Him during the day. Think of it like this: Jesus gave up His life for you. He wants to talk to you. He wants a relationship with you. He wants to hear you pray. Whether you are saying a few things while on the toilet (yes I do this), falling asleep while conversing with God, or your thanking Him while shopping for groceries, God is always happy to hear you communicating with Him. He wants it all the time about everything! This doesn't mean he will get angry and greatly punish you if you tend to pray more about things you need help with, but still throw in thanksgiving and praise with it every now and again. Maybe if we focused more on all our blessings, we would be less stressed. Believe it or not, in your life at this very moment, there is more to be thankful for than all your stresses combined. If you can't think of any, you aren't thinking hard enough. Trust me on that. Now, get those needs and praises together and pray!
Because a salad is no good with just lettuce, a prayer is no good with just requests!
Matthew 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
-Katelyn