I came across a post on Instagram the other morning that got me thinking.
The post asked the question:
“What have you gained by praying every day?”
This question stuck with me all day long.
As I did my usual activities,
getting groceries,
going for a walk,
working on client projects,
a steady stream of blessings I’ve gained by talking to God every day kept coming to mind. I’m blessed beyond belief – and eternally grateful for the favour the Lord shows me.
But my testimony about why God is so good isn’t based on the things he gave me.
What’s more significant than that is what he took away from me.
 
The Perfect Time to Pray
I pray every night before I go to sleep and have since I was a little girl. It’s always the last thing I do for the day, no matter how exhausted I am.
I like to think of it as an ongoing meeting I actually want to attend.
The quiet time in between when my head hits my pillow and when I fall asleep is always set aside to pray. Not only does doing so strengthen my faith, it’s also an effective way to quiet my busy mind. I fall sound asleep peacefully and quickly.
I don’t mean to brag but… I’m a great sleeper.
I guess the old saying is true… a clear conscience makes a soft pillow.
 
What Exactly Has the Lord Taken Away from Me?
To put it simply, everything that was holding me back from living the incredible life God wants me to have. Praying every night in the name of Jesus has helped me rid my life of:
1.    Suspicion and distrust for others
2.    The egotistical need to understand everything at all times
3.    Crippling, lifelong anxiety
4.    Anger with people I love
5.    Survival mindset + constant fear about the future
6.    99% of my stomach pain issues
7.    A career that paid well but was horrible for my health. It distracted me from spending thoughtful time with God and living my purpose.
8.    Trauma from the past
9.    Fear of death
10.  Unhealthy grief
11.  Shame
12.  Jealousy and spite
13.  Perfectionism
14.  The need to fit in
15.  The desire for worldly wealth
16.  The fear of dealing with things I didn’t believe I could deal with on my own.
 
Faith Does Not Make Things Easy – It Makes Them Possible. – Luke 1:37
I’m proof that the best way we can strengthen our faith is by going directly to the source, more often. Our desire to be closer to God is what opens the door for Him to perform miracles in our lives.
Praying every day has shown me that the more I pray… the more I want to pray… and the more I’m handsomely rewarded with God’s love and favor for my obedience.
 
Your turn! What’s the biggest obstacle preventing you from praying every day? Let me know at info@ladistinctionco.com.
 
Until next time,
 
-Megan
Editorial Director, La Distinction Co
 
P.S. Want to teach your kids the importance of carving out intentional time every day for the Lord? Stop by our shop and check out our Mommy & Me Prayer Box. It’s got everything you need to make quiet time with the Lord fun for you and your little believer!