There was a stillness in the room as we considered the question posed to us, “What about prayer excites you?” Had I ever used excited and prayer in the same sentence before? But I realized something as I pondered the question further. Prayer, for me, is like meeting up with a trusted friend. When I know I will be spending time with a close friend, I get excited as I anticipate uninterrupted time with my friend – having her undivided attention, her listening ear, her caring heart, her understanding, her acceptance, her wisdom, her good advice – these are the things I look forward to as I anticipate the time we will spend together.

This is what excites me about prayer – the possibility made reality of spending uninterrupted time with my Heavenly Father – having His undivided attention, having His listening ear, His caring Father’s heart, His complete acceptance of me, (even though He knows me completely), having His understanding, His wisdom, His good advice, His guidance – being in the presence of His transforming, healing power – prayer means entering into that safe space, that sacred space with God. Prayer is hallowed time, time set apart to spend with Him.

Why wouldn’t I want to spend time with Someone who loves me unconditionally? – with Someone who will listen well, without interruption and with understanding and compassion – with Someone who will heal me, teach me, train me, equip me (I need lots of equipping – I lack much) – with Someone who has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, Someone who knows every hair on my head and every word I speak before it’s even on my tongue – Someone who has loved me with an everlasting love and loves me still –

Someone who remembers that I am dust – yet does not blow me off, or blow me away –

this is my Heavenly Father, in whom I live and move and have my being – this is prayer

“I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2)

“I call on You, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings” (Psalm 17:6-8)

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

prayer -spending time with the One who loves me – who loved me enough to die for me

sincerely, Grace Day