Digging Deeper

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.”  Philippians 4:6

 Supplication – petition, an earnest prayer or request.  Believers are confident their petitions will be answered. 1 John 5:14-15

    Jesus gave us many examples of praying without ceasing.  He arose early in the morning to pray in Mark 1:35, He prayed all night before choosing His twelve disciples in Luke 6:12, He prayed in Gethsemane on the night before His betrayal in Luke 22:34, and He prayed on the cross for His enemies in Luke 22:44.  He talked with His Father at any time during the night or day and about anything and everything.  Prayer is communication and communication is a habit.  It is consciously picking up the phone to call a friend or parent who lives far away.  Without that connection, the relationship grows cold and unfamiliar.  I try to make sure my first thought in the morning, before I swing my feet out of bed, is a prayer of gratitude for a new day.  I ask for God to show me how to use this day to serve Him.  Throughout the day I try to include God in my work, with family and friends, and wherever I go.  I find myself thinking out loud for His guidance when I’m driving, disciplining children, or making decisions. And I always try to tell Him, “Good Night.” 

    One afternoon I was driving into Golden Gate Park to drop Marcus off for football practice.  We witnessed a boy, completely clad in his football gear, run in front of a car and bounce off its front bumper onto the ground.  I remember crying out, “Oh Dear God!”  I ran over to the little boy to see if there was anything I could do. He was flat on his back staring up at me.  He said he was OK and proceeded to sit up and then stand.  I guess he truly was OK because he ran over to his coach and started football practice like nothing had happened!  Shaking, I got back in the car when Marcus asked, “Mommy why did you use God’s Name in vain?”  I tried to explain to him that I was calling out for God to help that little boy.  When you are used to talking with God frequently, it is a habit to call out to Him without even thinking.  

Bible Reading: I Timothy 2:1-3

“Our Father in heaven, may your Name be honored…”  Matthew 6:9-13

Dianna L. Brisco