Meditation 12

There are few things in the Christian life that are more misunderstood then prayer. We find ourselves feeling guilty that our prayer lives are not what they should be. The moment we do pause and pray, our minds wander away and we can’t focus. We feel like hypocrites when, after a season of silence, we come to God in prayer with a particular problem we need help with. Or we feel stuck in a bad habit of just complaining to God about our lives. 

Dear Christian, be comforted today, that your most merciful Father in Heaven will by no means reject any of the prayers of His children. He has encouraged us to come to Him in every possible way. “Call upon me” says your Lord, “for I am near to all who call upon me in truth” (Ps. 145:18).  There are no conditions or requirements for the believer as he comes to God in prayer. There are no set times for prayer, for Jesus is always living to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). There are no set places, for He wants all people, everywhere to cry out to Him (Acts 17:30). Our Lord’s eyes are too pure to see evil (Hab. 1:13), but we have a Great High Priest who was tempted in every way just as we are, so that we may come to God’s throne of Grace with confidence of being heard (Heb. 4:15, 16)! Dear reader, there is nothing on your mind or in your heart, that God, your Father does not want to hear. There are no worries too small, no fears too large, no emotions too deep for the ear of God. He wants you to draw near to Him with them all, for He has said, “Cast all your cares upon me, for I care for you” (1 Pet. 5:7)!

So today, don’t worry if your time in prayer has been long interrupted. Don’t worry if your mind begins to wander. Don’t worry if your sins are many. Don't worry if you only have a few minutes.  Draw near to your Lord today in prayer. He has promised to draw near to you and to listen to your cries. 

Father, I am poor and needy, but you, the God of all, take thought of me (Ps. 40:17). Therefore I will draw near to you, for you care for me.