While I was visiting my friend in South Carolina, we loved to sink into the wicker chairs on her patio, sip our morning coffee and chat about anything and everything. Some topics brought laughter and others brought tears. We knew each other well enough to share our deepest thoughts without fear of judgement or ridicule. Our words flowed easily as we talked about memories, hopes and current struggles. Every morning I looked forward to this precious time with my friend.

  

That made me think about my prayer time with God. I used to struggle with prayer until one day I began to see it as a time to sit on God’s ‘patio’ and chat awhile. God welcomes me to come any time and stay as long as I want. He never sends me away empty but instead fills my cup and feeds me the bread of life that my soul hungers for. As we sit and chat, I learn more about him and about myself. Through these prayer times I have learned that he is my trusted friend with whom I  can talk about anything.

  

Spending time with him gives me a clearer picture of things, and I gain strength. I may have climbed those steps to God’s ‘patio’ with a heavy heart, but after we have talked I am refreshed. I finish my day with a much lighter spirit because I have taken the time to be with God, my friend.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to take the time to sit and listen when we pray so that we may come to know you better. Amen