PRIORITIZE PRAYER IN EVERY SEASON

 A few days back, I became engaged in a controversy on Face Book. A good person posted that it was acceptable to talk about someone who had hurt her. Is it acceptable to tell others how someone hurt you? The person she was talking about did not like her sharing. I posted my view. I did not agree with the sweet, good lady as I saw silence and forgiveness as the best choice. This is a lesson I had learned the hard way in my younger days. I instantly realized that many would not agree with me. I realized I should have listened to myself and stayed silent. What should I have done? Pray. I forgot that I had already promised myself to prioritize prayer over responding on social media. I failed.

With the current political environment, we need to be praying for our nation. However, it is hard with all the political chatter. I don't agree with many, and I am easily drawn into conversations. Then, I realized that what I posted was not making any difference to anyone. I thought about the hateful words swinging around many posts. Words. Words not leading to God but division among people. I had joined X because I enjoyed the beautiful pictures from around our beautiful world and the inspirational posts of Christians sharing their love for God. I enjoy reading the encouraging words of faith and posting my own thoughts. As I thought about what I was doing, I made the decision to pray more than respond. I was doing good until I saw that Face Book post from the 'sweet, good lady.' 

I blew it! I let myself slide into the dark hole of creating more controversy. Shame! Disappointment! I failed on my promise. The promise to pray instead of respond.

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."  James 5:16

When I had promised myself to pray more than responding, I searched for verses to find reminders to place before myself. James 5:16 reminds me to confess my sins. If I hurt someone, I need to go to them and have a conversation with that person privately, not on social media. I am far from being a righteous person, but God is working on me. He is reminding me to confess my wrongs. God is reminding me of my promise to prioritize prayer.

"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4

I had made the decision to pray instead of post. I failed. However, God gives us second chances. As the disciples were being persecuted for sharing the gospel of salvation through repentance and faith in God who sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, they prayed often. Those prayers and their boldness to continue preaching lead to thousands believing. They devoted themselves to prayer and the ministry of God's Word. I need to follow their example. First, I will pray for God to change my heart of judgement to a heart filled with a love that  only comes from our Savoir who came as the ultimate sacrifice for all sinners. May my heart, soul, and mind turn more to God's Will instead of my small opinions. As I continue to pray, may God change my weak ways and strengthen my faith.

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22

Faith. What kind of prayer will flow from my heart? May the Holy Spirit fill my heart, soul, and mind giving me words to pray. I want my faith in God reflecting in every post I make and every thought coming to my mind. A lot of change needs to come from within me. I know. I am confident that God will change me from within and grow my faith as long as I am seeking Him daily in prayer. With my prayers, my hope is in doing God's Will and drawing closer and closer each and every day. Yes, I believe.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

Yes, with faith, I will avoid more social media replacing prayer in those time slots. Then, when I am on X or Face Book, I will pray instead of giving a negative reply to a post. Differences of opinions is just a small matter compared to growing the Kingdom of God. I believe. I have faith. With my faith and growing knowledge of God, I will prioritize prayer and seek God's love and grace more. I will rejoice in hope, work on my patience when temptations come, and seek God by constantly being in prayer. I am far from any kind of perfection. But, with faith and much prayer, I wish to grow more and become more of what God wants me to be.

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Colossians 4:5,6

In conclusion, will you join me in this challenge to 'Prioritize Prayer in Every Season?' Will you examine your heart and seek more of God through prayer daily? Can you limit social media with me to give more time in praying to God? While praying, consider the people that may come into your life. Do you come across as judgmental or caring? Do your actions and speech reflect God's love? Let's pray that God will give us the words we ought to use. Let prayer become what prayer should be - our daily time with God prioritizing God in our life through prayer and obedience to God's Word.