Overwhelmed by Prayer

I don’t know about you, but there are so many things I need to pray about… I think I could literally spend 24/7 in prayer if I actually had that kind of time and stamina. But in the course of an average day, does anyone have that kinda time? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have “prayer siestas” programmed into our days? Siestas, of course, are afternoon naps and in places like Argentina, Iran and Malta businesses literally shut down in the middle of the day for 2-3 hours. So instead of a nap it would be great to have 2-3 hours per day to spend in prayer… and what the heck, let’s toss in catnap too! (smile)

Now, I’m not trying to sound like some super-spiritual Christian who spends every non-working moment in prayer… I am not built for that. I am not a prayer “warrior” by any stretch of reality or imagination. I’m so far from it that when people ask me to pray for them, I pray right then. Otherwise, I completely forget shortly after the request has been made. Sad, I know… but true.

Don’t get me wrong; I am a HUGE advocate of prayer. The older I get and the longer I walk with Christ, I realize how critical it is. Of all the power we may have as Christians, I believe prayer is our strongest tool. Sure, I talk to God throughout the day about situations and issues or family and friends who come to mind… but in reality – I’m overwhelmed by my prayer list.

There are so many difficult burdens pressing on family and friends… Our country is in a critical time – politically, economically and morally, as is our world…not to mention my own stuff… and praises for all the blessings. But if I really prayed – the way I’d like to - for every person and issue that is heavy on my heart I’d never get off my knees. It exhausts me just thinking about it!! If I’m honest, I avoid it. I’ll watch TV or read a book - anything to keep me busy so I don’t have to sit down and spend time with the Lord in prayer.

However, when I stop avoiding long enough, I realize the joy, peace and answers I’m passing up and squelching. Then I get angry with myself... How moronic to give up joy, peace and answers! I love my family, my friends… I care about this country and the world… the least I can do is pray for them. And so, I sit down in my comfy leather chair in the little “reading nook” I created in my little apartment and I have a great conversation with God. Amazing how once I get started the time flies… just like sitting with a best friend over coffee catching up on each other’s lives. Who is a better friend than Christ?

Truth be told, I don’t have to cover everything all at once. God knows my heart – He knows the concerns and desires and praises buried there. I don’t have to feel overwhelmed. You don’t get every single millisecond of a friend’s entire life in one sitting, do you? In reality you learn about them as you spend time with them over weeks, months and years.

So it is with Christ… He knows us so well we don’t need to cram everything in all at once. In fact, He knows our thoughts and words before we do. Besides, it’s more fun to spend the time, to have the get-togethers. You learn so much more that way. I need to remind myself of this every time I feel overwhelmed… Prayer, is simply spending time with my best friend… I can even grab a cup of coffee and a yummy muffin!