Remembering to Pray

There are times I forget to pray.  As important as serving and obeying God is to me, and as much as I should love Him and love to talk to Him--I still slip up.  It hurts when I realize that I didn't pray about something after the fact.  It hurts even more when I do remember to pray for someone or something, and then I don't.

Every time I see a white GMC Z71, my heart aches.  I remember a lost soul I need to pray for.

I have a few Spanish songs on an iPod.  Hearing one reminds me of a married couple dealing with very stressful times, and I remember the need to pray for them.

As I think of congregations where Trent has spoken before, I always remember a sweet mother who came forward requesting the prayers of the church.  I told her I would pray for her, and I remember my word at those times.

I could go on and on.  Images, people, places, songs, scents:  I am reminded everywhere I go of people and situations I need to pray about.  Sometimes, though, I don't pray when I remember these things.  A bitter grudge might be barricading my ability to fervently pray for someone.  Justin Bieber (I admit) might happen to be the current CD playing in the truck, and I might choose to listen to him instead of following through with my plan to pray during my time alone.  Sin may have crept back into an area of my life, and I feel unworthy to go to God in prayer.  Perhaps I haven't done anything to help or encourage the person I want to pray for, and I feel guilty praying for him or her if I haven't been an instrument for God in the person's life.  So, I don't pray.

At times like these, I know to do what is good and right, but I don't do it (James 4:17).  The latter part of that verse says it is a sin when I do that.

Romans 12:12 states, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

Colossians 4:2--"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving."

Thank God for prayer! 

I find mercy, grace, help, and a listening ear!  Hebrews 4:16 says, "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need."

I am able to draw near to a Father who hears and cares about the names I want to petition for and the situations that need His guidance.  1 Peter 3:12a--"For the eyes of the LORD are over the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers..."

I am able to tell Him--though it's not anywhere near the highest and holiest praise He deserves--that I am thankful for Jesus, and I want to love and trust and serve and obey Him better.  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (1 Peter 1:3)

It's a time where I can reaffirm my faith in Him and His promises and bear my soul + all of the sin, junk, dirt, and clutter that I'm afraid to let Him see, although He can already see it.  I can confess and let go all of that here, and purpose in my heart to do better with His help.  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

I remember here, in prayer, that all of the time wasted in not praying was not because God let go of my hand, but because I refused to hold His.  "...He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you..." (Hebrews 13:5)

It's good to remember, and to pray.