Cell phones give us almost unlimited contact with others. Some people never leave home without them because they feel disconnected somehow. I’m not one of those people. I’m like leave a message or wait until I get home. I’m learning to live in the moment and enjoy what I’m doing while I’m doing it. Anyway, I’m still stuck in the days of the answering machine! Don’t judge me. I think cell phones are great but there are restrictions. Some people talk on the phone or text even while driving, which is not cool and illegal in some places. If it’s that important, please pull off the road, then talk and text to your heart’s delight!
There is another kind of communication that has no restrictions: prayer. We can pray whether we are coming, going, or sitting still. We can even pray while driving. My best prayer and worship time is while I walk in the early mornings. I love talking to God while driving. God invites us to call on him anytime, all the time. There is never a busy signal. It does not matter how early or how late. He is available for our quick cry or for a lengthy conversation. If you feel the need to pray quickly and in a less than ideal situation, go right ahead. You do not need to be anywhere special for God to hear you. He will understand your distress and cares only that you love him in your heart and try to follow him. He welcomes us into a relationship with Him, a constant and endless sharing of our joys, gratitude, needs, questions, and concerns. Access to God is always open, no restrictions. In the New Testament, Paul’s words advice each person who want to communicate with God to “pray continual” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is not just about asking God for something. Thank God for all of his blessings. Thank him for the things that make you happy, that make your life better, or that make the world a better place. Understand that these blessings are God showing his love for his people and should be celebrated and appreciated. Ask God’s forgiveness for the mistakes that you make. Keep your heart open and remember that we all make mistakes: nobody is perfect. Though you may have trouble admitting it or thinking of a mistake you have made, you will find some way that you can be better. Be sincere and you will know in your heart that God forgives you. Ask God’s guidance. He isn’t a genie or some magical grantor of wishes…He is merely there to guide you on the path you are meant to follow. Ask him to lead you and show you the right decisions and the ways to better yourself as a person, as well as the world and people around you. Pray for those who you feel need prayers. You can pray for your family, for your friends, or for strangers. Ask God to show them His love and to also help them find their way when they are lost. Do not cast judgment on them or their problems: God is the only Judge and He will do what is right. You do not have to use big words or long repetitive prayers. God is our friend. Talk to Him as if he is your best friend, because He is. Unlike my cell phone, I never have to worry about leaving home without the Holy Spirit, He lives in me. He lives in you. He is our direct communication to God. Love and Blessings…
EMMANUEL 