Laziness

Hey friends!

Not much going on with me right now--watching my Littles play some awesome baseball, training to do whitewater kayaking, nursing a few injuries (nothing major) and still praying for many things, including Guatemala and what the Lord wants me to do next.

Sometimes I become so content with this wonderful life God has blessed me with that I also become complacent. Or downright lazy.

Physically, trying to take care of my injuries I've gotten so out of shape. I'm not motivated to exercise in the ways that I am still able to--swimming or biking. I guess subconsciously I'm perturbed that I can't walk, dance or kickbox for exercise and I'm throwing a silent fit and rebelliously becoming a slug. I've got to get over that! If not, I may not even fit into a kayak much longer!

Mentally, I've been vegging in front of the TV and binge-watching some new shows instead of reading my 1-2 books a month like I usually do. I rationalize that I did SO MUCH reading for grad school (and I did) that I deserve a reading break. Break over.

Spiritually, I'm so at peace right now that I've gotten to where my prayers are mostly in passing--God, please bless so and so with a new job; please comfort the X family during this time of loss; please intervene and restore (whoever's) marriage (seriously there are so many in jeopardy right now).  It's been a while since I've sat in deep meditation and prayer for more than a few minutes let alone actually getting on my knees (which hurt right now!)  I justify it to myself sometimes with the knowledge that God knows every thought, every need--why do I need to tell him. And even though I already know these answers, I need reminding sometimes and somebody else may also need to know so it bears repeating. This wonderful lady explains it so much better than I ever could. So see below excerpts from melanieredd.com as well as some of my thoughts interjected here and there and enjoy!

So, why do we pray? 

He’s almighty, sovereign, and in control of all things. What could we possibly add to His wisdom with our feeble attempts at prayer? It’s a great question.

First, we pray because we are God’s children, and He LOVES to hear from us.

“FOR THE LORD, YOUR GOD IS LIVING AMONG YOU. HE IS A MIGHTY SAVIOR. HE WILL TAKE DELIGHT IN YOU WITH GLADNESS. WITH HIS LOVE, HE WILL CALM ALL YOUR FEARS. HE WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH JOYFUL SONGS.” 

From me:  I can remember when my kids were little. As their mother, I often knew what they wanted when they approached me without them having to say a word. But I still loved hearing them ask. It gave me great joy for them to request something from me and even greater joy when it was something I could grant. Of course there were times when I couldn't give them what they wanted--either for their own good (No, you cannot ride your bike in the middle of the street!) or the good of the family (sorry, we cannot get you this expensive toy at the moment because doing so would mean we don't pay our electricity bill this month!) 

Our God is the same way. When we make time for Him and call on Him, He loves it! Truly, our voices and our prayers are a sweet sound in His ears. 

Second, we pray because it deepens our trust in God Prayer changes us! 

It increases our faith! To take our requests, our needs, our concerns, and our hurts to the Lord in prayer brings about change in us. When we dump our cares on the Lord, we rise up with peace and with a resolve that we didn’t have before we prayed. Consider the words of Philippians 4:6-7:

“DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING; INSTEAD, PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. TELL GOD WHAT YOU NEED, AND THANK HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE.THEN YOU WILL EXPERIENCE GOD’S PEACE, WHICH EXCEEDS ANYTHING WE CAN UNDERSTAND. HIS PEACE WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS AS YOU LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS.” 

Truly, to pray is to cast our cares on the Lord and trust Him completely.

Third, we pray because it causes us to depend on God. 

We pray because prayer reminds us that God is the Creator and we are His creation. There is something humbling about prayer. To acknowledge that God is God and we are not—this is such a positive and a healthy thing for us to do. Prayer limits our pride and our self-reliance. Prayer helps us to turn our attention back to heaven. In Isaiah 40, we are reminded of the greatness of our God. Verse 26 tells us:

“LOOK UP INTO THE HEAVENS.WHO CREATED ALL THE STARS? HE BRINGS THEM OUT LIKE AN ARMY, ONE AFTER ANOTHER, CALLING EACH BY ITS NAME. BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT POWER AND INCOMPARABLE STRENGTH, NOT A SINGLE ONE IS MISSING.” 

Truly, we pray because it takes our dependence off of ourselves and places it on the Lord.

Fourth, we pray because it gives us the chance to express ourselves completely to the Lord.

There is healing in the expression – in the pouring out! “O my people, trust in him at all times. "In our honesty with our heavenly Father, we find healing, help, and wholeness. Prayer is a healing and restorative process. Truly, our honest prayers can bring better health to our lives.

Fifth, we pray because our prayers move the heart of God.

There is something about our prayers that changes, impacts, and affects the way that God acts. Scripture teaches us about this principle and encourages us to fervently pray. In James 4:2, we are told: 

"YET YOU DON’T HAVE WHAT YOU WANT BECAUSE YOU DON’T ASK GOD FOR IT.” 

And, often, this is a good thing. We will not be able to determine how our God will answer our prayers, but we are instructed over and over in the Bible to pray. When we pray, God responds. Our prayers impact the heart of the Lord. And, our only job is to pray. God is the one who must answer the prayers. That is His job and His responsibility. Truly, our prayers influence the heart of God.

Sixth, we pray because it’s an amazing way that we get to be involved with what God is already doing in our world.

Through our prayers, God works to heal, save, help, and assist other people. We pray because it allows us to participate in God’s work around the globe. To pray is to do ministry. To pray is to serve the Lord and others. Throughout Paul’s ministry, he was constantly asking for prayer and being supported by the believers in prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:25, Paul simply writes:

“BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US.” 

Truly, to pray is to get “in” on what God is doing around the world.