Sincere Prayer

Prayer can be rote. As I hear and repeat, The Lord's Prayer, I have to remind myself to slow down and mean the words. As I recently listened to one of my children say a blessing before a meal, I was reminded how easily meaningful communication can become simply habit. For example, saying," I love you." to a friend or family member, "I'm sorry." when you make a mistake, or "Call me." when you see a friend in public. Our communication with God is subject to the same plight.

My prayer life ebbs and flows. It takes a larger position in my day depending on my discipline. But even when I have a renewed commitment to spend time in prayer, I pray for the same things and move dangerously close to form over substance. I do mean it when I tell my husband, children, and family that I love them. And when I pray I really do want God to hear me and answer my prayer. I probably pray for the same things most people who believe in God do...keep my family safe and sound throughout the day, give us wisdom and understanding to make good decisions, make me productive and effective in my work day, forgive me for all of the mistakes yesterday and help me not make the same ones, give me focus, let me see and meet the needs of people around me, help me manage my health better, help my Mom find a buyer for her house... you get the point. I really want God's guidance and ear. But do I take time to hear him throughout the day? Do I follow my instincts during the day? Do I live my day in such a way that my prayers can be answered?

Words always need actions and I believe prayer does too. Saying "I love you" means more when my actions show I love my husband and family. There is a song or saying that talks of being a living prayer. Perhaps that is the most sincere prayer. Live the prayer you make. Live the words you pray.

What do you pray for??

Growth

Everyday is an opportunity to grow. I love that you go to bed every night a different person than the one who woke up. How does each day shape you? Who moves you? Who changes you? You don;t need a lightening bolt, or a cosmic event to grow. You just connect each day with something or someone. Writes borrow from such literary themes. Todd enjoyed star trek. The "Borg" assimilated the best of some race or person for the community greater good. In Harry Potter, the sword only takes in what makes it stronger. But in life, you take in everything. Some things make you stronger, other weak, compassionate, frightened, vulnerable. Unlike fictional characters, we can;t pick and choose what influences us. What did you learn today? What had an impact on you. Did you grow? My career and my family grant me opportunities everyday. I do not always take them. But none the less... everyday, I change. Let's all pray that it is for the best.