Pray Continually

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

Dear Shay,

We have had very extensive conversations over the years. Faith, like you had said, being a touchy subject. Another one of those subjects we have talked a lot about is prayer. At the beginning of my college career, I had only really experienced the Lutheran church and only really knowing "THE" prayer. Our father, who art in heaven… Beyond that, I didn't really pray to God, or Jesus. After becoming more involved in the college ministries, and learning more about the personal relationship that I could have with Jesus, that's when my  prayers changed.

Over the years I have changed how I've prayed, the types of prayer and even the amount of prayer. When I first started to pray in this new mode, I had this illustration to help me fixate on the moment. Other folks typically call this "entering the throne room", I call this "Sitting by the fire with Jesus".

You are on a long winding, dusty road. Looking forward, all you see is nothing but continuation with no end in sight, you look backwards, and see the same long dusty road you just traveled. As you continue down this road, up ahead you see a flickering light, and a silhouette. As you get closer you notice that someone is sitting at a fire alongside this road. As you get to the fire, he invites you in, you take off your pack and sit at the fire. Suddenly, everything goes quiet, the wind is no longer whirling, and it is just you, the crackling and popping of the fire, and this man. You strike up conversation, the voice seems familiar; warm, soft, and gentle. After a while, you realize you are sitting with Jesus. You continue conversing, and after the time has passed you pick up your pack and continue your journey, on the long and winding road.

This illustration helped me connect with Jesus on a daily basis. I usually try and start my day with prayer, in the same spot, and with this illustration. This was my vision of the throne room. A close feeling for me that helped bridge the gap between meeting with Jesus. Which often times can be very daunting, in whatever season you are in, just after committing sinful behavior that you promised to never do again, or even after a long time going without prayer. No matter the scenario, Jesus wants to sit with you and commune. Whether your vision is sitting in the throne room, by a fire, or in a comfy place that is familiar to you, just pray. It does not have to be eloquent with scholarly words, it just needs to be intentional.

With Love,

CJL