Shawna Ellis

 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray, away from distractions. Prayer is more than just reciting words; it’s about opening our hearts to God and allowing Him to speak to us. Most importantly, it is a two-way conversation. While it’s important to pour out our hearts to God, it’s equally important to listen to His voice. I often found myself going through the motions as it related to my prayer life. I had my morning devotion then quickly started my day, trying to check off everything on my to-do list. It wasn’t that I wasn’t praying, it was that I needed to go deeper.

I heard the Lord asking me to go deeper because He was longing for a more intimate relationship with me. Deepening my prayer life became a commitment. Like any relationship, our relationship with God requires regular communication and nurturing. We need to make prayer a priority in our daily lives, which means setting aside dedicated time to seek God’s presence.

As we journey through this Lenten season, let’s follow His example. Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God, away from noise and interruptions. As you pray, pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. God may speak to you through Scripture or even a still small voice. Be open and receptive to His guidance, trusting that He knows what is best for you. Share your joys, sorrows, fears, and hopes with God, knowing that He listens to every word and cares deeply for you.

Reflection: In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy for our prayer life to become shallow or routine. But Lent invites us to pause, reflect, and intentionally deepen our connection with God through prayer. Today, let’s explore how we can take our prayer life to a deeper level.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of prayer and the privilege of communing with you. As we deepen our prayer life, may we grow in intimacy with You and experience the joy of Your presence in our lives. Draw us closer to Your heart, as we continue to seek You wholeheartedly. May our prayers be sincere, our hearts open, and our spirits receptive to your guidance. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.