«Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving» (Colossians 4:2).
IT OCCURRED TO ME to search the dictionary for the definition of the word sentence, and this is what I found: «a word, clause, or phrase or a group of clauses or phrases forming a syntactic unit which expresses an ássertion, a question, a command, a wish, an exclamation, or the performance of an action, that in writing usually begins with a capital letter and concludes with appropriate end punctuation.» Looking at this definition before me, I reflected on it and applied it to the concept of prayer which is quite often for me a question, a wish, an exclamation or a supplication.
When we pray, we need the focus of our expression to be the Word; let us remember who the Word is: «In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God» (John l: l). The Word is the One who moves us, for we are the subject. In other words: when we pray, we get in tune with God so that His Spirit can move us to know, accept, and fulfill the will of the Father.
Prayer is an inexhaustible source of blessings. When we pray, we find wisdom and discernment to face our challenges; our strength will be renewed when tiredness and fatigue try to overtake our bodies and minds. In the Holy Scriptures we read: «Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you» (l Peter 5:7, NLT).
When we pray, our human nature can be seen: while seeking answers to our requests we are insistent and our supplications don’t cease. You might think your prayers tire God; rest assured that He listens to you with deep compassion, and His empathetic heart is moved. There is nothing in your life that is beyond His concern. Whether you are a girl, a young woman, a wife, a mother, or a grandmother, you will always find support when you reverently turn to God and plead for His help.
«Take time to pray, and as you pray, believe that God hears you. Have faith mixed with your prayers. You may not at all times feel the immediate answer; but then it is that faith is tried» (Testimonies for the Church, vol. l, ch. 28, p. 167). The simple prayer of faith blesses, restores, heals, unites, and renews your mind in a way that sharpens your ability to discern, which leads you to enjoy the freedom to make responsible decisions.
Today, before you begin the days journey, humbly bow down before God. May your prayer be: «Lord, thank You for this new day. I rejoice in You. Thank You for all that I will feel and do today, for I trust that You will be my Helper, my Friend, my Counselor, and my Sustainer. Amen.»