Prayer and the Heart of God
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” 1 Peter 4:7
In a little Lutheran cemetery deep in Nebraska farm country, I walked up and down the rows of gravestones searching for family names. Some of the stones were written in German, others too old to read. Some people had lived only a few moments, and others for almost a century.
As I walked, a sense of urgency settled on my heart—what should I be doing with the years God gives me? What would I write on my stone?
The disciple Peter, the author of today’s verse, felt that urgency, too, and urged us to prioritize time in prayer. Through prayer, we experience God’s power and presence.
For a long time I didn’t believe in prayer. I didn’t think there would be anyone on the receiving end of my pleas.
That changed when I decided I couldn’t do life alone anymore. I needed help. So I decided to start believing in the promise of the Holy Spirit of God and believe in prayer.
I asked God to show me how to live a life of love and purpose instead of frustration and fear.
I prayed for His wisdom and opportunities to do good and love well. I prayed for peace in my house, for help when there was none, for sanity in motherhood … for everything.
The more I prayed, the more I heard God’s voice reminding me to love and show mercy in tough moments. Sometimes my most intimate times with God are while I’m stirring mac and cheese on the stove or driving to work. I get lost in conversations asking Him hard questions about life and to show me His ways when I’m uncertain.
Prayer leads us to love, and our acts of love and service lead our people to Christ for the glory of God. That’s how I want to spend my short time here.
I want “prayer and love” to be written on my stone.
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministries team, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at Glory-Be.org.
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