hear me out...

The picture attached to this is from the day I can say was a turning point in my faith since being at school. It was the day after I got off the phone with my mom talking to her about a few things that I was struggling with and she gave me some of the best, most encouraging advice. To change my perspective and pray. I grew up in a Christian home and so prayer has been a constant, but over the years I have learned that there is a difference between simply just praying because your parents ask you to at the dinner table and having a conversation with God. I have learned that in a time of intentional prayer you are focused and give everything to Him, your time, your heart, and your thoughts. Let's be real for a second, God already knows everything your thinking so don't feel like if you are struggling with something you don't have to say it because He already knows. Go ahead and confess whatever you are thinking because he desires to hear your heart. In the picture my Bible is opened to Philippians 4 with verse 6 underlined, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Our God is listening, do not be anxious but submit everything to Him, tell him the desires of your heart. I was recently watching a sermon and the pastor said that God is always willing to listen, however that does not mean that He will answer in the exact way you expect. The truth in that is that you should ask God for whatever it is that you need, but don't expect him to answer your prayer in the exact way you want. Remain patient and trusting in Him that he will work things out for your good. Talk to God in any circumstance because he is ALWAYS there willing and wanting to listen. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly He is there for you. The time you spend in intentional prayer, is the time you may draw closest to God. I challenge you to take at least 10 minutes out of your day, eliminate any distractions and rest in His presence, give everything that is on your heart to Him and ask him to give you a clear mind and an open heart. There you will find peace.