Midweek: When All Else Fails... We Are Already There

I was listening to a conversa-- okay, eavesdropping; I was eavesdropping. But it wasn't like they were being quiet about it. So, one person was talking about some things that were going on, things that were making life difficult. The other person volunteered encouragement: When all else fails, pray! Well, I think it was supposed to be some sort of encouragement. Now, I'm not judging; really, I'm not. How often have I contrived a dozen schemes before it's ever occurred to me to pray? How often have I picked up the "prayer line" because the fire is much too large for me to extinguish and, Lord knows, I've tried! 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7)

Pray.About.Everything. Should I take the job? How do I handle this issue with my spouse? What should I be doing to improve my health? Which road should I take to work today? Pray.About.Everything. Does that sound weird to you? If I'm being honest, there was a time when it probably sounded a little "extra" to me. Do I seriously have time to stop and pray about whether I should feed the kids breakfast or make the beds first? But here's the thing, Scripture tells us that prayer should be more like breathing. We don't have to be reminded of that, do we? 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. Like the in and out of our breath. Like the thoughts that constantly wiggle or blast through our brains as we do other things --even as we think and say other things. 

Take a moment and inventory the thoughts swirling around your brain as you read this. Can you still comprehend while considering projects you'd like to tackle this weekend? The brain is pretty amazing, and depending on the level of difficulty, is fairly capable of doing two or more things as once. For instance, I can do some light reading, listen to music, and keep track of time so my waffles don't burn. I can text a couple of friends (keeping the conversations straight, mind you), keep an ear out for the dog wanting to be let back inside, and pay bills simultaneously. I can sing the words of my favorite hymns while being reminded of and lifting up my family in prayer. All the while, I am breathing. And prayer is like breathing. Prayer is a running, real-time dialogue with The Spirit who inhabits our spirit. Prayer is thinking a thought --Luci wants back in --and lifting that thought up to our Friend and Creator --Thank You, God, for these moments of routine, or Thank You, Lord, for the beautiful weather. And sometimes the conversation continues: Come outside for a few minutes and sit. Appreciate the green of the trees; enjoy the warmth of the sun on your face. And even more thoughts upon which to pray: Thank You, Father, for the opportunity to share this garden with my mother for so many days. I miss her deeply, but I know she is with You, and she is whole. Praise Your name! Allowing prayer to overtake you the same way thoughts do. Allowing prayer to become as unobtrusive as breathing. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you as you pause and remain still in the present --in God's presence, for just a moment or two. Ceaseless. All inclusive. But fully authentic, and just as God's Word implores. When all else fails, we do not have to be encouraged to pray, we are already there.