I went to church as so many of us did yesterday. As I readied for my day today, my thoughts weaved back over the service as I asked myself, “What was my takeaway yesterday?”
It’s a small, traditional church we are attending these days. There is a comfort my soul receives each week from the beautiful blend of the old and new.
Every once in a while, the pastor asks for prayer requests. He walks around, paper and pen in hand, jotting down each request as people explain their need. I have admired the way in which he asks questions, takes down dates and names, every action displays his seriousness about prayer and concern for each person.
Yesterday’s requests went from birthdays and pets to surgeries, job searches, cancer and the current situation of persecution and death facing those in Iraq. He prayed for each one, specifically, bringing dignity to each request as he brought them before our God.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22, NIV)
Back to my takeaway….
Big or small, happy or sad, serious or frivolous … all of it, we can bring before our God. All of it. It all matters.
Our God invites us to bring all that is on our hearts to Him. He is the One, the Only One, big enough to hear and handle and intervene and change and direct. He is the One, the Only One who sees it all. Nothing escapes Him. He is the One, the Only One who hears every word we utter to Him. And He is moved with all that moves us.
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)
I spent time this morning praying about what is heavy on my heart. I gave it to Him, relying on the promise He will not only take care of me but of those I brought before Him.
I can bring it ALL to Him. Why?
Because He cares for me.
And He cares for you too!
Bring it ALL to Him.
Today I am joining … Motivation Mon., Sharing His Beauty , Mon. Musings, Inspire Me Mon., Making Your Home Sing , Unforced Rhythms and Kate Bouchillon’s encouragement linkup too 🙂
“It all matters.” Yes it does! How awesome is our God that He cares so much for each of us. Have a beautiful day!
He cares so much for us that if it matters to us, it matters to Him. May we realize the depth of His love for us. Blessings!
Jo, your Days & Thoughts today reminded me of what I heard yesterday. We were at the beach, but I watched a service from a church in West Monroe, Louisiana, on my laptop. The subject of the pastor’s sermon was “Don’t Stop Praying.” He made many of the same points that you did. So I consider your blog post today a CERTAIN reinforcement of God’s Word. Thank you.
Bev, how grateful I am in to how God confirms His Word to us. May we be faithful to bring it all to Him in prayer! I love you!
Hi Joanne! I recently told a friend that if all of our prayers were bricks, we’d make a huge cathedral for the Lord. How many prayers and needs are offered up each Sunday? I often wonder at that…and the variety of needs that God completely honors and understands. And wants to hear too. There is such beauty in our faith in prayer.
Amazing to think of all the prayers. And then I remember they are before His throne, day & night. Amazing! May we be faithful to pray.
Yes, “it all matters” to God! What blessed words those are. No matter how big or small, we can pray to Him. Thanks for a beautiful reminder of how open God is to us in every situation. I’m your neighbor at Unforced Rhythms today.
So grateful His ear is always inclined towards us!
Praise God that it all matters. Each tiny care, every huge mystery. I am so grateful to be enveloped in His grace …
Sweet Monday blessings to you!
Linda, that is so it – prayer envelops all of our cares in His grace. So grateful you shared!