Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. / Philippians 4:6 (The Message)

On Sunday I asked you to choose one area that you thought represented why you keep from taking everything to God in prayer.

Here's the list:

1. Lack of Awareness: Sometimes, individuals may not be fully aware of the depth of God's care and His willingness to listen to every concern, big or small. They might not realize that they can approach God with all aspects of their lives.

2. Self-reliance: People may have a tendency to rely on their own strength and abilities rather than turning to God in prayer. They might feel that they can handle things on their own, leading them to overlook the importance of seeking God's guidance and support.

3. Time and Priorities: Busy schedules and worldly distractions can hinder consistent prayer. People might prioritize other activities over prayer, neglecting the opportunity to bring everything before God.

4. Doubt and Fear: Some individuals might struggle with doubt or fear that their prayers won't be answered or that their concerns are insignificant. This can discourage them from praying about everything.

5. Lack of Relationship: A deep and intimate relationship with God often fosters a greater willingness to pray about everything. If someone lacks that connection, they may be less inclined to bring everything to God in prayer.

Overcoming these challenges requires understanding the significance of prayer, nurturing a strong relationship with God, and acknowledging the transformative power of prayer in our lives. By realizing that God invites us to bring everything to Him, we can experience the peace and guidance that comes from entrusting all aspects of our lives to His care. Prayer is a precious gift that allows us to draw closer to God and experience His love and grace in our daily lives.

Choose one of the five ares, and ask God to help you pay attention to how often you lean on, go to, use, or justify that area instead of praying about everything.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, seeking Your forgiveness for the times I lacked awareness of Your care and relied on my own strength instead of turning to You in prayer. Please help me overcome the busyness and distractions of life that keep me from consistent communication with You. Remove doubt and fear from my heart and deepen my relationship with You so that I may willingly bring everything to You in prayer. Thank You for the precious gift of communion with You, where I find peace, guidance, and love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. Do you often find yourself relying on your own strength and abilities instead of seeking God's guidance and support through prayer? Take a moment to reflect on how you can cultivate a greater reliance on God in your daily life.

2. What are the main distractions or worldly priorities that hinder you from engaging in consistent prayer? Consider how you can intentionally create space in your schedule to prioritize prayer and bring all aspects of your life before God.

3. Have doubt and fear ever discouraged you from praying about certain concerns in the past? Reflect on how you can strengthen your faith in God's willingness to listen and His power to answer prayers, regardless of your doubts or fears.

Hymn: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Watch Sunday's Message:

Hymns for Spiritual Formation: What a Friend we Have in Jesus

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