In every circumstance and in all things
I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry,
of living in abundance and of being in need.
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Phil 4:12-14
If we but have the courage to ask God for every need, would we? In the past, I tended to pray and sought the presence of God when I felt weak, when I was angry, when I needed something. I have learned that the practice of prayer is something else altogether. Like Paul, as he wrote to the Philippians, he shared that he learned these secrets of being satisifed when well fed (spiritually too) and in going hungry, (spiritually too) because he relied on God.
To practice prayer many times a day is to set a habit of turning to God even when things are going just fine, every circumstance so that in whatever situtation we find ourselves in, we will be able to find joy, "to rejoice greatly in the Lord." Is there an area in our life, a sport, or a hobby, or even to cook, or stay fit, that we have practiced and realized the benefits of a reliable practice session? Did we have a good sore, or served a delicious meal, or felt calmer and more relaxed from such practices? With renewed hope and trust that God always hears our prayers, let us practice praying more often today.
