Staying in Touch with God

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. -Ps. 5:3 NLT

My parents live in San Francisco and I live in Richmond, Virginia. I miss them and love them more every day that I live, so usually three or four days a week I call them. Sometimes I have questions about something that's been going on in their lives, sometimes I have news from my own life. But even when there is nothing special to talk about, I just want to hear their voices. I want to be reminded of our blood connection and shared history, and to remind them that they are appreciated and loved.

When I talk to God, sometimes I have questions about good and evil, patience and forgiveness, or how to be brave when I'm scared. Sometimes I just want to report in to God and let Him know what's going on in my marriage, on the job, or in my church--though I know He already knows. But on those rare occasions when there is nothing pressing to talk about, I just like to stay in touch so I can hear His voice. I want to be reminded of our blood connection through Jesus, and to remind God that I appreciate what He's already done for me, and I love Him.

This is my prayer this morning:

Good morning, Lord.

Thank you for waking me up this morning still in my right mind and able to make decisions today that are based on my faith in You. Thank you for giving me the strength to resist time-wasting desires of the flesh. Thank you for planting in me the power to focus on the work You have called me to do. Ultimately, only my work for You will fulfill my needs, but spending time trying to satisfy my flesh only brings dissatisfaction, because flesh can never be satisfied.

Keep me filled with Your Holy Spirit, Lord, so that I remember my purpose is to please You alone and so that the desire to please You becomes a habit I can't break.

I know Father that occasionally I'll need a painful reminder of who I am and whose I am, when I get above my raising and attempt to push my own agenda over yours. I'm sorry to make You remind me. Please be as gentle as You can.

Forgive me Father for I have sinned and come short of Your glory. I forgive anyone who has done me wrong and promise to continue to be a forgiving person. I am sorry for the wrong I've done yesterday and I promise to do better.

Remember, Lord, that making promises to You is an extremely scary exercise, because I know myself to be a sinner and yet the idea of disappointing You hurts me--though I know it hurts You more.

Bless my endeavors to do right and well today. Bless my family and keep them all safe while we're separated on our separate missions of work and school and whatever else we plan to do today. Bless the people with whom I come in contact today. If I can be a part of their blessing, use me Lord.

Father, may the thoughts I entertain today and the words from my mouth be acceptable to You. I pray this in the name of my Savior Jesus.

I love you.

Amen

(Photograph by Evan Richardson)