Communicating with my friends has varied forms. We may pass on information, have deep emotional conversations or simply text a thought as it comes to mind. All of these build relationship. At its core, prayer is communicating with God and it takes varied forms as well. I may have a set time to spend uninterrupted talking and listening to God. But I also talk to Him throughout the day as things come to mind. As my relationship with Him grows, the nature and frequency of our talks grow too.
In some of my reading, a phrase struck me about the importance of how we show up when we pray. It talked about preparing our mind and even our environment as we come before our Maker. All good stuff and nothing in there I disagreed with.
But it also struck me that sometimes showing up is all we can do. It’s a first act of obedience to even begin a conversation. Talking to God or being open to listening is an act of faith, even if surrounded by doubt and despair. To Whom else can we go?
I remember being at church with a young, troubled teen. She was not dressed like the others and sat staring at the floor, clearly uncomfortable. When a primly mannered lady made a comment, all I could do was scream inside – do you get what a big deal it is just that she’s here! She showed up!
God welcomes those who make steps toward Him, no matter where that step begins. He doesn’t ask us to have it all together. In fact, we never will. I’ve walked with Him for many years, but even now sometimes there are no words and it's all I can do to just show up. I can trust that I’m not only in the Presence of powerful God but also a caring Father who is happy that I showed up to be with Him, whatever state I am in.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26
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