Pretty much whenever I am alone, I talk to God. Yes, my mind drifts to other things but it’s never long before I come back to God. And I often pray out loud. When I was a new believer, my pastor advised ‘praying on your knees and out loud.’ Obviously on my knees isn’t always practical but the out loud part is relatively easy.  I think because of that I usually don’t find it hard to pray out loud with others, along with the fact that I am not a shy person.  However, I have realized that it’s not so easy for everyone. Especially those new to faith in Jesus.

From the journal . . . . April 2002

Jesus, I love walking with You, or running, or sleeping.  I’m so grateful You are in my life and that You have chosen me to be Yours.  You want me, and the enemy does not have the power to keep me from You. 

John 10:27-29  My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; ²⁸ and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

That’s why my heart yearns for You with an almost painful yearning at times.   

Yesterday I prayed with Kylie, Bess, and Margaret before school.  Kylie was uncomfortable and I was the only one who spoke out loud to You.  Oh God, let there be a sweet aroma from You to reach them.  All three are sort of Catholic, which may or may not be sincere.  I obviously don’t know their heart condition, but I do know that You want faith and You want relationship.

And God Said to Me:

Yes.  I am pleased when faith is placed in Me, and relationship with Me builds that faith.  The more you walk with Me, the more aware you are of My love.  Trust Me to use you.  When you don’t see evidence, you get discouraged, but I am pleased when you continue through your discouragement.  When you feel encouraged, you are absolutely right to know it’s from Me.  Strive for more of Me.  Don’t doubt My love.  Don’t listen to lies that bring you down.  You are a lamb in My flock, and I do choose gladly to give you the kingdom.  I want to keep you close.

Luke 12:32  Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Ohh Lord, I want to stay close to You!

When I read my past journal entries and prepare to make them into a blog post it feels like I say the same thing over and over. Yet the Lord repeats these things over and over to me personally, so He must think I need reminders!  Which, of course I do. He also does that throughout the Bible, so I must assume we all need reminders from Him.

Don’t be afraid!  Trust Me!  Don’t give up!    I love you! 

I was happy to be able to pray with my co-workers when this opportunity came up and I believe it was God’s plan. I’ve found that the more I pray with others, the easier it gets. However, it started with being comfortable talking to God by myself!  On my knees and out loud! 

And always remember these four reassurances from God’s Words!

Don’t be afraid!  Joshua 1:9  Trust Me. Prov. 3:5-6  

Don’t give up!  Gal 6:9  I love you.  Jer 31:3

Joshua 1:9  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart   And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid,
will put my trust in You.

Gal 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Jer 31:3 The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.

All verses are from the NASB 1995

All names are fictious.