Begin with Prayer

"True prayer is measured by weight, not by length. A single groan before God may have more fullness of prayer in it than a fine oration of great length."  -C. H. Spurgeon

A good pilot will always run through a checklist while preparing to go on a flight. During this process he, or she assesses the air worthiness of the aircraft, and the weather conditions they will encounter along the way.

The surface and instruments on the aircraft along with the weather information is crucial for a safe flight. You see, the pilot is totally responsible for the overall safety of the flight and passengers. A little bit of preparation beforehand goes along way in ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for all.

A fruitful journey with Christ takes a little preparation as well. Let me illustrate my point with a familiar morning scenario for many us. We wake up, get the rest of the family rolling out of bed, too. Can't do alot without that coffee, so we get the coffee-maker going. Then, we get dressed, get fed (the family, too!), everyone runs around a bit getting their acts together before finally heading out the door to work or school.

I understand that this a very abbreviated version of what may, or may not happen in your house but hopefully you get the gist. It all happens so quickly that it almost seems like a blur! Referring back to our story about the pilot, what would happen if he just hopped in his plane (passengers included) and sped off without his check-off routine?

This is what too many of do every morning. We just hop out of bed and take off. It's no wonder that the rest of the day seems just as hectic! It doesn't have to be this way. I'll bet you didn't know that we've been given a check-off list, too. This check-off list prepares us for the day ahead come what may. What is it? It's called prayer.

Praying as we wake up is an awesome way to begin the day! It helps to remind us of the real reason we're alive. It also connects us with the living God. Jesus took early morning prayer very seriously - it's recorded in the Gospels that he arose before daybreak and went to be on His own to pray (Mark 1:35).

We can always make time for prayer before starting our day. Prayers don't have to be long, drawn-out petitions with a parade of gratitudes, requests, and confessions. Not at all. The best prayers are short and to the point. Just say what's in your heart. Talk to Jesus like you're talking to your best friend. That's it!

It's definitely a habit worth getting into. If you're not used to doing this it might take several tries. Just stay with it and it will gradually become second nature. Soon, you'll wonder how you ever started your day without prayer! I won't tell you about the difference it will make in your daily life, you'll have to experience that yourself. What I can tell you is this...you won't be disappointed!

Scripture: Jude 1:20; John 16:13; James 1:5; Psalm 32:6;Philippians 1:4

Prayer: 

Jesus
Wake me!
Warm my heart with your love.
Shake me!
Inspire my mind with your words.
Fill me!
Nourish my soul with your hope.
Hold me!
Protect my life with your strength.
Be with me
As I work, rest and relax today.
Amen.

May God bless you!

Janice