When I don’t feel like praying

Posted on by

                                       When I don’t feel like praying

I am not an early riser.  Just give me five minutes more under the covers.   I like rising before my husband.  It’s my chance to be alone with no TV and nothing to disturb me.  I also know it’s a good prayer time.  But I don’t feel like praying!! 

 I wake up unsure if I would rather return to an unconscious state or if I’m ready to re-enter the world of consciousness.  However, I bravely tip -toe into “reality” or at least my version of it. 

I pull out my Bible from the basket I keep at the kitchen table.  Do I want to go there…… do I want to enter into the world of the 1st Century?  I love to study the Gospels but am I ready to really understand and pray while reading?  I love the Psalms also.  Most of them by David who pours his heart to God. 

Prayer is where I connect with those early disciples living and working with the Lord.  Prayer is not just asking for something.   Prayer is where I can enter the oneness of being with those early believers.  You could call it study but it’s also a type of prayer.  The rabbis call study the highest form of worship.

                              Study is worship!!  Study can be prayer!

To be honest, I’m usually more interested in my creature comforts.  I am on the fence about a new day.  I am still determining if I really agree with this whole thing called life.  It’s not easy is it?  Sometimes we are just spiritually weary. 

Should I check my inbox first?  Perhaps there is someone or something I need to know. Perhaps there is something there to inspire me to pray.

The early sages describe prayer as a “service of the heart.”  Prayer demands that we direct our minds and hearts to our Creator while contemplating the purpose of our lives as we ask for the means to fulfill our mission. 

The Word is to inspire me.  It’s how I really connect to the unseen world of God.  Through my reading the stories of the times and struggles of those early believers I am inspired.  They are real people living and working and praying.  I transport myself in time.  I read of the thousands that heard and saw the Lord.  Even though they lived and died 2000 years ago they come to life on the pages of my Bible. 

Now I know.  Praying isn’t easy but Its part of what I do and who I am.  Prayer gives me energy to face what the day brings.  It’s my morning caffeine. It is my lifeline and my way of being.

My soul is refreshed.   It is my choice to not just be up, but to be in a state of thankfulness and prayer. Prayer shouldn’t be just a one-time thing in the morning.  It’s a part of who we are as believers.  It’s seeing prayer as active in our lives.  It’s not audible but available.  It’s our connection to the Someone who really loves us. 

As Paul said………” Pray without ceasing.”   (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

                                                  Now I know what he means.