An eighteenth century classic, was my first recollection of prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, the angels watch me through the night, and keep me safe till morning’s light.
I was four years old. I knelt beside my bed or was tucked in with hands tightly clasped and eyes closed. This was how to call a God I could not see, into my midst. My first efforts at communicating with God the Father and His Son, Jesus, for protection as I slept.
Then came the realization, that all that I could see as I played was a creation of that God who mysteriously was listening to my prayers. So, my prayers became longer. Appetites were put on hold at mealtime and an exhausted Mom knelt patiently at my side for bedtime prayers. Now all the trees, grass, friends and family must be mentioned in my conversations with this still mysterious creator of all things.
My prayers were sporadic in my youth and evoked God’s help with school exams, relationships and squabbles among friends. Victory requests for sports games and help with that first date.
Then marriage and with it motherhood. I found myself praying for the health of babies and help raising them. Praying they would be kept from harms way. Prayers for my family to survive the crisis of financial woes and occasional quarrels as we all learned to live together in unity as family. Prayers for help with their sports events, their math problems and that God would surround them with godly friends and find the perfect mate to spend their life with.
With an empty nest, prayers changed. They evolved from short and sweet, to long, sometimes pleading prayers at the bedside of loved ones during illness. Prayers on the battlefields that living life brings. Prayers to that God, once mysterious and far from me, now my closest and dearest, friend. Long conversations about my family and grandchildren, my workplace, fellow employees, friends and country. The prayers at graveside. Prayers that I would survive the grief of loss.The realization that God is in control of all things. ALL things.
From our first breath to our last, His eyes and His ears are tuned to us. No matter the stage of life we are in. No matter the reason we call to Him. No matter how far we try to push Him away, He desires conversation. He never leaves us. He longs to hear our voice regarding the cares and concerns that touch our lives. Nothing is too small or insignificant to speak to our God about. Our Father in Heaven. No set time or place…Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
~Scripture For Today~
Jeremiah 29:13
13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.(NASB)
Psalms 27:7-8
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. 8 When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.” (NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! We are so thankful that You hear our prayers and You answer. From our earliest recollection to this moment, our prayers find You as we seek to place our lives in Your loving care. We lay our cares and burdens at Your feet. We share our joy and our victories with You, our mighty God. As the sun rises on a new day You wait to hear the voices of Your children. We pray blessings and favor over our families and friends. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.