Start Praying and Stop Ceasing

     Why is it that in life the simplest actions are often the most difficult to accomplish? Is it that we crave challenges and want to test ourselves, or do we decide that if something is too easy it's not worth pursuing? This is a question that often baffles me, particularly in the area of prayer. For some reason, I find it difficult to put aside time for one of the essential parts of living a Christian life. I can sit down and read my Bible, I can travel hundreds of miles to go on a mission trip, but talking to God through prayer doesn't come easily to me. Why is this? I think the reason is that because prayer is so simple I take its value for granted. 
     A few days ago, the BCM launched a "15 Days of Prayer" campaign, and we began by holding a "15 Hours of Prayer Day." This was a time where people signed up for shifts and went to the B (that's what we call our building) to pray. 
 

(This is the front of the prayer pamphlet we received upon finishing all of the prayer stations. I added the Lilly Pulitzer background for a bit of decoration.)

There were 15 stations that we prayed at, and each one had us pray for a specific topic, such as upcoming mission trips, the lost on our campus, and places that have never heard the Gospel. After going through this experience, I left with a softened heart and a renewed belief in the power of prayer. Beginning the day by talking to God filled me with a joy that permeated my day, and I thought to myself Why wouldn't I want to start every day like this? 
     Furthermore, in my quiet time this morning, I read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which says, "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Out of all the things we Christians are expected to do, this notion should be one of the simplest.     
     There is no denying that following Christ comes with many trials and tribulations, various mountains and valleys, and both good and bad times. However, the beautiful part of having a relationship with God is that it comes freely. He willingly gives His grace and love to us even though we don't deserve it, and He'll listen to us whenever we call upon His name. 
     With this revelation comes motivation to work on my prayer life. I'm determined to set aside time each day to just talk with God. He is never too busy to hear, never too busy to talk, and never too busy to give. He truly and genuinely cares what we have to say which should make the simple action of prayer more appealing and doable.
     So how about you? What are your thoughts on prayer? Do you pray without ceasing, or, like me, is it difficult to even start? If you have trouble, I encourage you to remember what it's like to have a deep, heartfelt conversation with God. Don't forget the feeling of peace and security that flows through you after talking with Him.  
     I hope you have a prayerful and blessed day, and thanks for reading!