A Pattern of Prayer

Happy are all who perfectly follow the laws of God. Happy are all who search for God, and always do his will, rejecting compromise with evil, and walking only in his paths. You have given us your laws to obey - oh, how I want to follow them consistently. Then I will not be disgraced, for I will have a clean record. Psalm 119:1-6 (TLB)

Susan Thogerson Maas, from Oregon, and her husband, Gary, enjoy morning walks. They enjoy the fresh air, vent about problems, and make plans for the future. When Susan walks daily, she is eager to get out and move - and she has more energy. But on days when the weather is bad, she tends to hunker down inside, letting Gary walk alone. The longer Susan avoids walking, the less enthusiasm she has for it.

Susan's prayer life follows a similar pattern. When she simply offers a few quick prayers during the day, her prayers tend to skitter along the surface like a flat pebble across a lake. However, when she spends the time in longer, deeper prayer, Susan becomes more eager to reach out to God again. Prayer then becomes a regular and meaningful part of her day.

We all have places in our lives where we could improve spiritually. Susan finds it helpful to set a specific goal - for example, reading a chapter of the Bible each day or praying for a set amount of time every morning - then finding an accountability partner to hold her to it until the habit becomes a natural part of life. Morning walks can improve our health, but walking with God enriches the soul.

Prayer: Faithful God, thank you for all the ways we can draw closer to you. Help us to walk daily in the presence of your Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name. Amen.