Tues., May 22, 2018

Psalm 18:6 – I was in terrible trouble when I called out to you, but from your temple you heard me and answered my prayer.

Explaining prayer can be difficult; especially to kids. To help them understand prayer, I often say prayer is like making a phone call to God. I encourage them to talk to God as if they were talking to a friend on the phone.

In Melanie Shankle’s book Everyday Holy, she writes about watching Barbara Walters interviewing Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen spoke of the ups and downs of her career and life. During the interview, a clip of Ellen’s first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson was shown. In the clip, Ellen talks about wondering if fleas are necessary and calling God on the phone to ask.

After the clip, Barbara asked Ellen what she would say to God if she could really call God on the phone. In complete sincerity, Ellen said, “I’d say thank you. I’ve got nothing but gratitude. My whole life. I’m so blessed. I’m so lucky and I feel it every day.”

Gratitude. Blessings. Thank you.

Prayer really is like a phone call with God. Think about your last prayers with God. How much time did you spend thanking God for what God has already done in your life? Are you quick to express gratitude for what we have as a priority over our personal check-list of what we want God to do for us today?

Yes, God answers our prayers. We find confirmation of this in scripture. Maybe our prayers aren’t answered how we would prefer. Yet, I pray we take opportunities to thank God for answering prayer, for daily provisions, gratitude for what we have. In your next phone call with God, please make this the first part of your phone call.

Just in case you are listening in God, I know you answer prayer.

For this, I am grateful.

Thank you, God, for all the times you have answered our prayers. Thank you for providing what we need and more in our lives. Thank you for guiding us daily. Thank you for calling us as your children. Amen

Blessings –

Dianne

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