Genesis 4:26 – At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord.

Lord God, what astounding invitations you make to us when it comes to prayer. What gracious promises you hold you hold out to us about our prayer. You invite us to call to you in every trouble, to pray, to praise and to give thanks. You promise to hear us and to answer us in just the right way at just the right time. You give us gracious access to your fatherly ear. But what do I do? Prayer is an afterthought instead of my first thought. I run to all kinds of places first before running to you. I’m sorry, Lord. I’m so foolish and stupid. And even when I do pray, I get distracted during my prayer and devotion. My attention is drawn to many places. Frankly God, forgive me for a lack of faith in prayer. I do not fully take you at your word hear. I am so thankful, O Father, that you do not abandon me even when I turn away. Your Father’s heart is turned to me in mercy and grace. Convince me by your Word and your Spirit that prayer is such a powerful gift from you that I do not live a single moment without it. Fill my life, my marriage, my family, my church with prayer that we are constantly at your feet all day long. Teach us to pray, O Jesus. Amen.