Have a Little Talk with Jesus
Dear Friends,
Something was missing. I was dressed and ready to take on the day. That's when it hit me. I had forgotten to put on my cross necklace. My son-in-law, Dillon, gave it to me for Christmas a year ago. I've worn it nearly every day since then. I'm not superstitious. The reason I put it on is because it reminds me to invite Jesus into each day.
It is so easy to rush from one thing to another without pausing to talk to Jesus. We get so busy, or so wrapped up in what we are doing, that we often tend to the things that call our name and forget to invite Jesus along. In 2008 author Bill Hybels wrote a book talking about the importance of prayer. The book was titled, Too Busy Not to Pray.
Many of us understand the need for prayer in our lives. The problem is that we are so busy that we can't find the time for it. Hybels says there are two truths we must consider: First, God is the same powerful, just, Holy God he's always been. When we invite God into our day, it becomes an opening for the divine to enter in.
Second, true prayer, prayer that changes us and allows us to participate in God's work in the world, can't happen on the fly. It must be intentional. Years ago, my pastor, and mentor, Rev. John Brooks, asked me about my prayer life. Rev. Brooks pressed me and asked, "When do you set aside a time to pray?"
I had to confess that I didn't see the need for it. I prayed in the car, before tests, and when I had a need. They call that "Shotgun prayer." You pray in a general direction hoping that you hit a target, never knowing if it will be effective or not. It's prayer on the fly. It is a stream of consciousness prayer. It is good, but not the most effective.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I quoted that verse to Rev. Brooks. He told me that if I wanted to be effective in ministry, I had to be intentional about prayer. I took what he said to heart.
The simple act of putting on that cross in front of the mirror, causes me to stop for a moment before I rush headfirst into the day. It is a reminder that I don't have to take on the worries of the day by myself. Jesus will be at my side. Knowing that I've invited him to guide my steps, helps me align my priorities for the day.
In Weight Watchers, they tell you to set up little reminders in your home or workspace to motivate you and help you stay on track. That's what my cross necklace is. It is a signal that directs my attention to Jesus. What helps you do that? Do you have a routine you follow? Is there something that causes you to stop and pray?
Life can be challenging. If you invite Jesus to walk with you, it becomes a little easier to navigate. Do what you have to do. Find a way to remember to have a little talk with Jesus before you leave the house in the morning. Doing so will give you a head start on a good day.
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See You In Church.
Pastor Cal