Pray First

Nine out of ten fitness experts agree that exercising daily is a good idea. If we are physically able, it is advised that we get out and go for a run or for a walk. If we don't do that, someday we might wish we were able to get out and go for a walk.

Ten out of ten prayer experts agree -- praying daily is the best idea. If we have a consistent prayer life, this will save us from having to develop a sudden relationship with God when we are in trouble. For some people, times of illness and heartache are the hardest times to pray. However, if we have developed a tender heart for God, tough times will be the times we have a reservoir of prayer in our soul. We can use it to pray without words, and still feel that we are being heard. This is very much like walking or running every day and releasing those endorphins that raise our threshold of pain. If we exercise on a regular basis, we are much less likely to suffer falls, sprains or other such injuries. We are already limbered up.

Limbering up with daily prayer will cause us to come boldly to God, even if we just sit in his presence and not ask for anything at that time. Then when we are in need we will not be shy about approaching God.

God is not Santa Claus. The true purpose of prayer is not to get all the things checked off our wish list. The purpose of prayer is to get to know God and to rest in the peace and love of God. God created us for relationship with him. God invites us into his presence through prayer and worship. If we pray first, then when we are in trouble prayer will not be a last resort. If we walk with God every day, we are much less likely to fall.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org