The Importance of Prayer

    For as long as I can remember, my dad would always go on morning walks. It didn't matter if we were at home or on vacation, my dad would always find time to wake up early and go on his walks. When I was little, I didn't really think anything of it. However, as I got older, I valued my sleep too much to wake up early before I went to school to have a walk of my own. 

    Strange enough, I now find myself doing the same thing I grew up watching my dad do. Within the past week, I've implemented a morning walk into my daily routine. I don't do anything crazy or special, I just set aside time in my day to spend with the Lord. I grab my water bottle, put my headphones in, and take a walk around campus. I haven't really encountered that many people, and it's been the most peaceful part of my day. 

    On my walks, and really throughout my day, I just talk to the Lord. Sometimes, I'll tell him how I'm feeling or what's bothering me, or I'll pray for other people in my life. Over the past two years, I've found that I feel the most comforted and at peace when I talk to the Lord. He knows me better than anyone else, and quite honestly gives better advice. The Lord knows about my deepest desires, fears, and the ultimate plan for my life.

    I think that it's very easy to stress the importance of prayer, but even harder to follow through with it. 

    It's easy to go to God in prayer when life is rough; when things aren't going your way, or when you have something happening and you desperately need prayer. But, do you find yourself going to God even when things are good?

    It's easy to forget how great our God truly is. His mercy, love, and grace are unmatched. There is no earthly thing that can rival the love our God has for us. We get in a routine of expecting things to go our way. There's a lot we think we can control, but there's also quite a bit that's out of reach for us. So instead of worrying about it, we should take it to God. 

    Of course, I might be the least qualified person to speak on this topic. I'm very much a planner, and I freak out when I don't know the entire plan. "Go with the flow" isn't ever a phrase someone would use to describe me. You can even ask my mom: on all family vacations I'm always the kid to ask about the plan, and if there's not one, I'll immediately come up with one. If you're even doubting that, I'll be more than happy to show you my color-coded school calendar, with each topic assigned a very specific color. 

    

    In the last two years, I've learned there's a lot I can't control. And there's also a lot I don't want to control. Something that's helped me immensely - and I think has forced me to grow a lot as a person- is truly taking all my worries to the Lord. And let me tell you, I have quite a few worries I bring before him. 

    More often than not, I find myself talking to the Lord out of habit. And it took a while to get there! Instead of my first call being to my friends, I ultimately take it to God instead. It doesn't really matter where I am or what I'm doing, I just talk to the Lord. And truthfully, talking to Him makes me feel better than talking with anyone else. 

    But sometimes, this isn't always the easiest thing. Not all my prayers are happy or thankful, sometimes they're filled with questions, or I'm hurt by someone else's actions. However, taking it to the Lord removes that burden. 

    My morning walks and time with the Lord grounds me. It's certainly not easy to drag myself out of bed at 6:30 every morning, especially because I thought in college I would escape the 8am classes. But it makes me feel better, and I believe it makes me a better person. I'm more patient, more intentional with my actions, and overall in a better mood. I go to bed every night looking forward to waking up the next morning to go on my walk, and spend time with the Lord. 

    

    Prayer is our direct line of communication with the Lord, and we only have to utilize it. Look at your schedule, and look for a time you can intentionally spend with the Lord. A time where there's no other distractions and nothing else is taking your attention away. I promise, spending time with the Lord will refresh you. Don't just pray for yourself, pray for others around you. Pray for Christians and non-Christians alike. Pray for everything, everyone, and every occasion. Thank God for His goodness and mercy, and remember the things He's done for you. If you don't already have time you spend with the Lord, I challenge you to make this change in your life, and see the difference the Lord can make. 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

        Ephesians 6:18