The Prayer Position



W all do it. Whether we're in church or sitting around the dinner table, someone says, "let's pray" and we automatically assume the position: head bowed, eyes closed, and for some of us, hands joined with the person sitting next to us. The prayer position. In yoga this is often the position that ends a workout. It seems to connote peace and serenity, respect and reverence. All positive things.

Sometimes though we can get caught up in the outward trappings of prayer and miss the point, or miss the opportunity all together. Have you ever been faced with something and thought, I need to remember to pray about that? Why not go ahead and do it? Just pray right where you are?

Think about this: how many times a day do you check and/or update your Facebook page or your Twitter account? Now think about the kinds of things you write or read there. Anything life-changing or earth shattering? Most often not. Most of what we read on social networking sites is the small stuff that we do every day:

• went to a movie
• shot a deer
• finished a workout
• cheered for a football team
• bought some new shoes
• got a new haircut

The list can - and does - go on and on. Did you ever think about why we do this? What about texting? Are you as amazed as I am that so many people seem unable to even complete a single meal without checking their phones?

What if we talked to God like that every day? What if everything we talked and texted to others about we brought before God as well, and every thing else in our daily lives? Would we be different people? What do you think?

Would you say "I can't pray at work, I don't have time"? How many texts and personal phone calls do you get at work? Really? Be honest.

Here's a thought: praying in the car while driving is infinitely safer than texting. Just sayin'...

Here's another: God will never take something you tell him in a weak moment and use it against you to hurt or humiliate or punish you. You are completely safe with him.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "pray continually". That's it, the whole verse. Pray all the time. More than you use Facebook. More than you make calls on your cell. More than anything else. Pray.

We are drawn to social networking sites because we are complelled to share and connect with others, but also because we need to be heard. God waits to hear everything you have to say. Good and bad, big and little, happy and sad, triumphant victories and dismal failures. He waits for you. He wants to connect with you. He cares about every little thing in your life and loves it when you share. That's all prayer is - talking with God.

Don't make it harder than it has to be. The next time you share a picture on Facebook of a beautiful sunset, be sure to tell God how much you appreciate his handiwork.

Make a point of turning to God to share all through your day. It might feel a little strange at first, but soon it will be the best thing you do throughout you day.

What is your prayer position? Whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whatever your thoughts or feelings. That is your prayer position. Try it. You won't want to quit.

Dear Father, I pray for each precious soul who reads this post. Reach right down into their hearts and place in them such a strong desire to share with you that they can't help but turn to you in conversation to share their joys and fears, plans and successes, failures and hurts. Help us all to be mindful of your presence with us, and to always remember that you seek us out every moment of every day just to love and bless us. Never stop doing that. We need you so much. In your name I pray. Amen.

When was the last time you just talked to God like he was your friend? Do it right now. There's no better time or place to start.

I am praying for you.

Sherri