Prayer

I have just finished reading a book by Philip Yancey titled, "PRAYER: Does It Really Make Any Difference?" and it was a very interesting read. I only underlined one sentence in the whole book, which is very unusual for me. I usually mark books up that I read. The part I underlined said, "Prayer means keeping company with God who is already present" (p. 315).

I like that! Prayer is keeping company with God. When I think of keeping company I think of sitting in the living room or around the dinner table and just enjoying the conversation at hand. I think of enjoying the company of old friends. Getting caught up on what has been happening and telling stories of what is going on now. I think of being comfortable enough to simply talk about issues without the fear of being judged or cast aside.

Isn't it great to know we do not have to fear being judged by God or cast aside by Him because we have already been judged in His Son Jesus. The result of that judgment was, "you have been declared righteous" (Romans 5:1) because of your faith in Jesus' atoning work.

Now you can keep company with God! We can talk to Him about everyday issues. We can tell Him how we are feeling and listen to Him respond to us. My desire today is, "Lord, help me realize that you are always present and all I have to do is learn to keep company with you, and this is what you want from me."

This is today,

Pastor Gary