I’ve learned a lot about prayer since I’ve become a mom. Mostly that prayer doesn’t have to include a set aside time, event or place to be fervent and effective. I find my most passionate prayers coming at times like last night. . .when my 1 year old just didn’t want to go to sleep and I was done for the day. Out of energy after he cried so hard he threw up, on his lovey and then cried some more because he didn’t have his friend to comfort him in the night. . .I rubbed his back and desperately prayed, “Lord, please. Please bring peace to my son because he needs sleep (it was 10pm, his normal bedtime at 7:30) and I need rest myself. I am weary Lord. Please, please settle his heart and mind.” Sometimes these desperate prayers result in an immediate answer and at times they do not. After uttering these words, I put my son down in his bed and left the room as he cried. But a few minutes later he fell asleep. . .and slept until 8am this morning. Thank you Jesus. But had my prayer gone unanswered, I would have asked again and again until I felt the grace of God fall upon me to give me strength in my time of need.
I was reading this morning in one of my favorite devotionals, Choosing Joy: A 52-Week Devotional for Discovering True Happiness
Because the more desperate we are, the more willing we are to simply talk things out.
And that is the fruit of abiding. An ongoing, honest conversation with Jesus.
“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” Brother Lawrence
This practice may not produce the exact results we are asking for but it will produce the fruit of peace and grace in our lives. It will produce strength and wisdom to help us in our time of need.
And that my friends, is the purpose of prayer.
“Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
What have you learned about prayer since becoming a mom? Have you found the practice of conversational prayer to be effective in your life?
I just recently read a post somewhere (can’t remember where!) that was talking about one word prayers so common to mothers – Help! Thanks! Please! How! – or something along those lines and I so resonated with it. I think it’s important to still try and “come away” for prayer when possible, but most of the time my prayer is now very, very conversational – a running stream throughout my days. So yes, I can definitely relate to this post. And I love thinking of it as abiding (thank you). Something to meditate on more, I think.