Prayer, my first Reaction

 "Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me." 

Psalm 66:20 (KJV)

This morning, as the amount of needs around me felt overwhelming, I decided to go for a Prayer Walk. A Prayer Walk is simply praying while you walk. I've been doing this for close to 10 years and it is actually a great thing to do. 

During my walk, I talked to God about all kinds of things. My needs, the needs of my family and the needs of the world. I was reminded that while things are difficult, it's easy to go to God in prayer. I was also reminded that God really hears and answers prayers. 

The challenge I gave myself is to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and not just when things are jacked up. It's easy to pray when things are challenging but that should not be my deciding factor when it comes to prayer. I want my prayer life to be an ever flowing communication with a God who is good and wants to be in relationship with me. 

I also want Prayer to be my first reaction in times of trouble. Nowadays I have several choices as far as reactions in time of trouble. Posting stuff on Social Media is a popular one. I want my communication with God to be my go to reaction when the storms of life draw near. He alone is our refuge and strength. I don't think I can make this point better than the Psalm 46:1-3;10-11:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."

Prayer: Almighty God, as the needs around us weigh heavy in our hearts, we come to You. You are a very present help in time of trouble. Because You are our help, we will not fear, no matter how crazy our circumstances may be. As I cast my cares upon you, I will be still and know that You are God. You will be exalted above it all. You are our refuge, in You there is perfect peace. I receive your peace in my heart and mind right now as I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Step of Bravery: Spend more time meditating in a Bible verse than in the news of the day.