In God's Presence
Author: Julie Gilleand (Indiana, US)
As my parents age, they are becoming more and more dependent on my help. I do what I can, but it is not easy since I work and have responsibilities in my own immediate family as well. Because life has become such a struggle for Mum and Dad, our every visit or phone conversation has become focused on the next list of requests they have for me. Sometimes I feel I have become merely a facilitator of all their needs. I’m happy to help as much as I can, but I miss just chatting and laughing and doing things together the way we used to.
This may be how God feels when I pray only when I have a list of requests. I know that he cares about my needs, and I often mention them in prayer. But I very seldom pray just to worship and be near him. I regret looking to God merely as a facilitator of requests. More and more I am realising that he wants more than my requests; he wants my heart.
Prayer: Dear Lord, reignite our hearts with love for you. Remind us that our times of communion together can be not only about our needs but about spending time with you. Amen
