Recently, I have been battling an injury. What caused the injury is my failure to take the time to stretch like I should. I just want to do my workout and not do the most important part first. I have been impatient, and now I am paying for it. Stretching is really the easiest part of the workout, but probably the most neglected aspect of a complete workout. I find similar parallels between this and prayer in my spiritual life. I almost do the exact same thing most days. I usually don’t pick up the spiritual discipline of prayer until after I am feeling the injuries of life. Maybe I have a struggle at work. Maybe I lose my temper with my family. Maybe I am overcome with worry or doubt. Maybe I am injured by a poor decision I’ve made, or I’m frustrated with my sinful self that sometimes likes to take center stage. It is usually at this moment, I think to pray. However, how would my life shape up if I did things differently? If each and every day I began with prayer, and I prayed moment by moment as I walk in union with God. What if I do this on the good days and the bad days. I think some of my injuries might not show up at all, and the ones that are part of my journey…. might not bother me so much because I am in communion with God because of the avenue of prayer. God’s word reminds us in Ephesians 6:18 “to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” I like this idea of praying in the spirit because sometimes you just aren’t in the position to close your eyes and pray. We have to learn how to connect our spirit to God’s and communicate to him in silence. One of my favorite techniques is just to think on the Lord’s goodness. His mercy. His redemptive work on the cross. And then I just wait… and open up my heart. I think God really appreciates just our attention on Him, and He blesses us because of our faithfulness. And honestly, just more of Him is our biggest blessing. So as this new week begins, I hope you will join me on my new workout plan. Let’s start our days with prayer and walk in His presence throughout our day. Lifting our hearts to Him often. By doing the complete workout, I think we are going to feel so much better.
Blessings,
Jessica
So true that more of Him is our biggest blessing!
God first. It really does make a difference. Thank you for the reminder.
I think so too! Loved this post!
Joining you, definitely! I saw a meme recently that suggested something to the effect of, praying as first line of defense rather than as last resort, and this reminds me of that.