presence

Prayer has become  different for me with two kids running around, interrupting my every thought.  I run through my day taking care of everyone's needs.  Changing diapers, fixing princess noodles, watching dance recitals, and cleaning up the same things over and over again.  Through all of this madness the daily quiet time I used to spend with God has changed so much.  I find myself taking extra long in the shower because those are the few minutes, if any, that I have to myself.  And once the kids are asleep (which is sometimes a chore) I find that it is much easier to turn on the t.v. and allow myself to get distracted by the noise rather than spend a few minutes alone with the Father.  I have had to move my prayer from my to-do list to my to-live list.  Praying and being with the Father is something that we live out.  It is something that can go with us every day should we choose to take it with us.  When we take the Father with us things change because He begins to carry our loads, He begins to ease our pains, He begins to open our eyes.  Though it has taken some getting used to I love taking God with me everywhere I go.  I love mixing it up all the time and staying on the edge of my relationship with him.  I am also challenged to grow through this because of the new awareness of the presence of God in my life.  

What would happen in your everyday life if you lived like the Father  was literally in the room with you. How would you respond to your spouse? How patient would you be with your 3 year old? How would you treat those that are not so nice to you? I challenge you to practice the presence of God (and read that book if you haven't). Get used to living like He is right next to you (because He is), allow His presence to overwhelm your every move, your every decision, your every word. Allow it to completely change you.  Then the world will notice your prayer life and they will praise your Father in heaven.  

Father, thank you for your mercy, thank you for your grace.  Thank you for being beside me even when I do not take the time to acknowledge your presence.  May I live my life to be a blessing to you.