Pray

“Just pray.”
How often have you heard that before from someone when we may have a problem? It could come from that individual not knowing how to respond to what you’ve just told them. We nod because we know we should pray about everything, mainly when worrying about something. But what about when things are good? What about seeing prayer differently than just when something comes up? I’ve written in several posts about how prayer has comforted me in difficult times, and I wouldn’t replace those times because it has shown me how He is there to speak and listen to me in my weakest moments. But I’d like to give a perspective that can be for every day, and this is how Jesus would enjoy our time more often regularly because time spent with Him should feel like spending time with our closest friend.

We look forward to seeing our friends and telling them about our day and what exciting things happened. For example, during my prayer time this week, I had the privilege of volunteering at a bridal boutique that was donating prom dresses for an event called “A Night to Shine,” where individuals with all different kinds of disabilities come together and have a prom just for them! I met some fantastic young ladies who were so excited to have that experience of picking out a dress and feeling beautiful in it, taking picture after picture, and modeling their new gown! It was one of the sweetest moments I’ll want to remember and journal about because it filled me with joy to know that I shared that memory with them. Because it is a passion of mine to see girls feel genuinely seen, known, and loved, even with their life circumstances. After that full day of fun and sparkles, I talked to God about certain things I felt during that experience. This experience was nothing bad or negative, but it filled me with more passion to write what I write and see how else I can help the teenage disability community here in Colorado Springs.

Spending time with Jesus is supposed to feel like the most intentional and relational conversation you’ve ever had with someone. Jesus listens to every word, and when I think about how I shared my heart about my time last Wednesday, I can imagine Him smiling so big and laughing at the moments that made me beam with joy! I think it is essential to understand that prayer isn’t just a place to complain to God or share our troubles with Him; However, He does want to help us and listen to our cries, but when I think about the stories in the Bible with Jesus spending time with the disciples He wasn’t always profound or telling them about the troubled times. Still, instead, He ate with them, walked with them, listened to their stories, and probably had some great laughs when hearing their stories.

My encouragement is that when you are praying, begin with gratitude. There is always something to be grateful for, and even if you’ve had a day, there is something to say that expresses true, genuine thankfulness, even as simple as a good night’s sleep. As you pray, share with Jesus everything, not just the bad but the joyful times. Yes, we know He can see everything and knows everything, but He still loves hearing His children talk to Him. I’m a visual person, so when I envision my time with Jesus, it looks like I’m sitting on the floor on a fuzzy rug in front of a fireplace. He and I are leaning against the couch, looking into the fireplace as it lights the room. Holding my coffee mug filled with an iced drink, Yes!, I put an iced drink in my mug because I’m not a hot drink girl, but I love mugs! I tell Him about the heart and passions He has put inside me and talk about my dreams. I talk about how that experience made me feel how grateful I am to have lived that in January and how hopeful I am for the next time.

These are the little things I hold onto when I think of prayer, and I hope this can give you an open space to reflect on how your prayers are in your space of prayer. There is so much more I’ll continue to write about prayer, but for now, maybe just sitting on the floor with a drink in hand and a journal and you can start writing down how God has been good to you and how our daily life can have so much hidden joy that you now can stir up and talk to Jesus about.