Judy Lentz 

PRAYER

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place.  When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples”. Luke 11:1 

How, when and where we pray are personal choices.  As I have aged, I have found myself in prayer more and more each day.  I pray in the shower, in the car, at my computer, while I am doing my daily meditations, mealtime, at night as I fall asleep, in the morning as I wake-up.    My prayer activity has become a quiet discussion with Jesus about everything --- concerns for those who are sick, concerns for those less fortunate, for my family members, for those who are struggling, for those who are suffering in many different ways.

I pray for help and guidance in knowing what to do, what to say, how to help.   God answers in so many ways  not always immediately but often times soon thereafter reassuring me and giving me the confidence that He has heard my prayer.  Am I always listening?  Do life’s activities occupy my mind making it harder to hear?    I do my best to remind myself that Jesus is with me, that God is trying to talk to me through the Holy Spirit and that I need to slow down long enough to hear what is being said.  Maybe that’s the reason for occasional sleepless nights -- a gentle nudging to open my heart, hear the Holy Spirit and focus my mind through prayer.

Prayer:   Dear Heavenly Father,  thank you for the times that you gently nudge me to slow down, to pray, and to hear you speaking in so many different ways.  Please know how much I love you and need you in my life.  If I need more than a gentle nudging, have at it!!  And know I am a sinner who appreciates being reminded how important you are in my life.  In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.