The Lenten season is here. Forty days of fasting and penitence, ending with Easter celebration. Because of this, many Christians give up chocolate, meat, or wine. Is this what God really wants? When do we give God more of our most precious possession – our time? The foundation of Christian life is prayer, and finding the time and ways to pray appears to be hard.
Opportunities exist throughout the day to share ourselves with God. While lying in bed, start the day with a prayer, asking the Lord to be with you. Many of us spend a fair amount of time in the car, and during this commute time, take a few minutes to talk with God about your problems. At lunch, a quick prayer requesting help and giving thanks will perk you up for the rest of the day. A short prayer before heading out the office door will give you strength. Prayers with your family at mealtime will deepen the family bond and the family’s bond with God. Ending the day with a prayer calms you for a good night’s sleep, knowing that God is looking over you.
Praying is simple. Begin with words of thanksgiving. Simple words thanking the Lord for blessings, for time with family or a wonderful meal are enough. The reasons we give for our gratitude should be very specific, and by being specific, the prayer will draw us into a closer union with God. Then ask God for what you need. The request doesn’t have to be long, but it should be specific. All of us have family and friends who are sick or in need, and these requests for help should be brought directly to God. Finally, thank Him for listening to you and say amen.
Last, making prayers at special events will bring you closer to God. Brief prayers at birthdays, anniversaries, at the beginning and ending of the school year, and before important tests are events where prayers bring support and help. This is especially true when you begin a new endeavor or while waiting for results of important medical or school tests.
Instead of giving up your chocolates, meat, or wine, give prayers to God. Take the time to pray, to create sincere prayers, and to say prayers at special times. All of us need to give more time to God.
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