Everything to God
On February 1st I started the #IVGREYWRITTENPRAYERCHALLENGE on Instagram for the month of February. The idea was to write out my prayers to God daily in hopes of developing a better prayer routine and grow closer to God through prayer. The way we communicate with God is through prayer so I figured this was a way to encourage myself and others to grow. The concept came to me after seeing one of my favorite bloggers, @lindabhurd posting her written prayers on Instagram. I was inspired to start the process myself. This was something I did at one point in life but got away from it. I had been feeling a slight disconnect in my prayer life and decided that maybe this would help. I truly believe prayer changes things and journaling is one of my favorite things to do as well. So this made for the perfect situation.
My experience with this challenge was like a surfer waiting on the perfect wave. It was slow at first, but soon the tides picked up and I was gliding with no worries. I was enveloped with all sorts of emotions. I wanted this experience to be perfect, like gliding that big yet lasting wave. I went to walmart and bought the cutest journal. After about 20 minutes I found the best one. I encouraged others to use whatever they had available: notebook, journal, looseleaf, post it, whatever. I didn't want people to be discouraged because they didn't have the cutest or best journal. The important part was what was happening during the writing process. Not even what was written, but what took place during the process of writing. For me a relationship was forming. A relationship between God and me.
My prayers in the beginning were short and sweet. I had the little thank yous and asked for many blessings. As time went on my prayers sometimes were long winded and seemed more meaningful. I started to open up my heart to God and asked Him questions. I began to feel like I was having conversations with God. I found myself saying the things I couldn't quite mouth but, knew need to be expressed. The overflow from my heart poured onto the pages of my journal and I felt the connection that had been longing for. I even began to pray more silently and verbally. I found myself asking God to use me and direct me. I noticed less requests were being made and more of His will was being unmasked. The view of my prayers transformed. They went from Lord can you do this and that, to Lord use me, Lord fill me up, Lord whatever your will, let it be done. Not only did I make requests for myself I started to pray for people known and unknown. Then came praises! Like I literally praised the Lord in prayer by way of writing. Never have my prayers been this intense and intentional. But God, God knows our hearts. We say this jokingly everytime we indulge in some sort of mischievous behavior. Yet, it's true God does know our hearts and if our hearts are open unto Him and His will, He shall prevail in our lives. Our minds will be transformed and evidence of that will be things such as our prayers. This month of written prayer has opened my mind and my heart to the possibilities of God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It is true and the things that are furthest from your mind can become routine if only we'd open our hearts up to God.
I'm glad that God placed this challenge on my heart. Reluctant to actually do it, I'm glad He continued to nudge me in this direction. The goal was to develop a better prayer routine, but what I gained was so much more. I finally understand the true meaning of everything to God in prayer. I learned that prayer is an experience. A rewarding experience. There's nothing to big or minute for God. The bible tells us Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)I now understand the true essence of this scripture. I feel a relief that whatever it is I can bring and leave it with God. Knowing that He will answer every prayer in His timing. And that’s enough for me.
Do you journal your prayers?
What are some ways that have helped you grow closer to God?
