“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” ~ Martin Luther
I know A LOT of really busy people. I do not know many people who stop everything and pray for three hours. I do realize the value of prayer and understand Martin Luther shining a light to the importance of starting our days with God. This is a quick post about something that happened to me a few months ago before beginning a strength training session. It lead me to reflect on prayer and my own prayer life.
I have trained for over thirty years. I have prayed before each of my weight training sessions for the majority of those years. I’m sure in my early years my prayers were shallow and even selfish. However, as my closeness with God has grown, so has my understanding of prayer. Prayer is worship. Prayer is an amazing gift. Prayer brings a connection to God. It provides a clear direction illustrated by Him. Prayer makes us realize God’s goodness and power. Prayer aligns us with His will for our lives. Prayer provides us with wisdom. The bible clearly tells us this:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” ~ James 1:5
A few months ago as I was stumbling through the day, I sat down to check twitter before praying and beginning my training session. As I scrolled, a prayer popped up that I had never seen before. I had had a tough day. I remember being exhausted and stressed. I am not sure how to explain what I felt when I read this prayer. All the words seemed to be in my heart. They were already there, but seemed to be trapped. If you are reading this and struggling, I hope this prayer softens your heart. I hope you’ll realize you can talk to God. If you’re struggling with that, I hope these words help.
A Prayer for Strength
Our Father,
Sometimes the cares of the day
Seem to multiply, while the
blessings fade so quickly.
Our bodies grow tired
and our minds even more tired.
Jesus, help us.
Give us the strength You’ve promised
in Your Word.
Give us the power
to take the next step.
Give us your grace…
For we know that in our weaknesses
YOUR STRENGTH is revealed.
May we receive it today.
Amen.
When I read this prayer, I was humbly reminded of the importance of reverently speaking with God. I was reminded to seek His face, not with fancy words, but with a genuine gaze and meaningful words. We don’t need fancy smancy words, a degree in theology, a series of classes, a leader’s approval, or a list of good works. We don’t need to “clean ourselves up” or earn our way to have access to God. We just need a one on one spilling of our hearts with the One who has been with us in our struggle. We need a humble conversation with the One who has been patiently waiting with a love we cannot measure. We just need to talk with Him. That’s what He wants and desires. He loves us. He loves for us to look to Him for help and praise. He just wants a relationship where we’re focused on Him. When we do that, we give Him glory and we see His ability and willingness to provide us with love, hope, peace, and strength. I wish you all these things through whatever you may go through this month my friends. Remember – He is with you right now as much as He was yesterday. Talk to Him!
Love you all! – Anthony
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” ~ Romans 12:12
