A Praying Life

(Our Guest Blogger today is our sister, Katharine! She is between Maude and Lizzi in the family line-up. Katharine and her husband live in Minnesota.)

I've always loved the idea of being able to talk to God. The ironic thing is that I have, at times, struggled with doing so. I've read books, heard sermons and talked to people about prayer which has both encouraged and discouraged me. I suppose the reason it has discouraged me is because I've been told to follow a certain formula and then I'll follow it for awhile but don't stay motivated to continue to pray in that specific, formulaic way. Honestly, I just want to TALK to the Lord - like I would anyone I have a relationship with (while still giving Him the reverence and fear He deserves). I recently starting reading a book called 'The Praying Life' by Paul Miller (it was a Kindle sale that Tim Challies mentioned!). It has greatly encouraged me that it's not wrong or bad to talk to God like I would my spouse, friend or sibling.

In 'The Praying Life' Miller says, "When your mind starts wandering in prayer, be like a little child. Don't worry about being organized or staying on task. Paul certainly wasn't!" Miller is referencing the first 3 chapters of Ephesians and how Paul meanders in and out of praying. Does this mean I'm not in trouble if my mind wanders? That even the apostle Paul wandered in his prayer?! In Matthew 18 Jesus says, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." And then in chapter 19 He says, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Coming to Jesus like a little child is coming all messy, unashamed, believing and trusting. God already knows I'm a mess! I don't need to clean up for Him. In fact, I can't - not without Jesus covering me by His sacrifice.

I feel like this book has freed me in how I look at prayer - and how I pray! No longer do I need to check off a list of steps I must do in prayer. Now I find myself praying more frequently and turning to prayer as the first step, rather than the last - after trying all other options. I find myself suggesting prayer to others when they are struggling, frustrated or confused. Even the things that used to seem too small to talk to God about are now finding their way into my prayers. I have a lot to learn and so much growing to do in my prayer life but I truly feel freed to talk to God about everything and anything and at any time. I am thankful for the grace God gives in leading us to godly and encouraging books!