Answer Me, Lord

“If you pray only when you are in trouble, you are in trouble!”

I'm probably not alone in this, but I only go to the doctor when I have exhausted all other means of help with over the counter medicines and home remedies. I would rather be digging a ditch than go to the doctor. It's not out of dislike of the doctor or a stubbornness of wanting to fix it myself, it's because I have too much other stuff to do and I don't want to be bothered to stop and go see the doctor. If I'm not careful, I find myself in the same situation with God. It can be easy to justify myself when my busyness is ministry or church related, and then I allow it to happen more and more.

In this 40 days of praying, fasting, and giving, I'm hoping to "make" time, a set apart time with God as often as I can, and not only a time to pray but to be in His presence and hear Him speak to me. I want to pray about everything, big or small and be anxious for nothing like His Word says.

I don't want to have mini-sessions with Him and end up in a state where I'm overwhelmed by things I should have spent intentional time talking to Him about.

Thank You God that You hear us in mini sessions and You hear us when we're pouring our heart out to You.

Some health issues are ok to be treated with home remedies or over the counter medicines, but some issues need to be taken to the doctor.

Some issues are ok to pray to God about in mini sessions or even in pouring out your heart sessions.

But SOME issues may require praying, fasting, and giving.

None of these is an easy thing for people to do. That's probably why they are called Spiritual "Disciplines".

How much do I want to hear from God? How badly do I need Him to work on my behalf?

How much selfishness can I let go of to turn God's eyes to my situation. How much time can I give to prayer? Can I trade the pleasures of food and drink to hear from Him? Can I think of others and give to see needs met that aren't my own?

Lord, answer us, and help us to keep Your commands.

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:10-11