Dear Lord; I love our morning correspondence. It’s become an important part of my day, and I find that it helps me to explore my motivations and feelings, and at the same time to get closer to You. Thank You for that. Last night during a quiet moment, I was thinking about our daily time together and it started me contemplating about what prayer really was and about how others commune with you.
As children, the traditional “pray on your knees, eyes closed, head bowed and hands pressed together” was the de facto standard for us, and I know for many this is still the way they feel like they’re best in contact with You. I know some who choose to sit in a quiet place, close their eyes and meditate to focus on what’s in their heart. For many, I know that certain places can provide a more open conduit to hearing Your Voice (as I’ve mentioned before, the woods of Blackbird Forest have that significance for me). And for a large number of people, attending regular Church Services are still their special time to hear Your Word and gain that Fellowship.
So, here’s my take on prayer Father. First off, I believe that if I leave my Spirit open to Faith then I’m really in constant communication with You. You know my heart, and the more my relationship with You grows, the more I feel that I’m always in Your Presence. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, it reads: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”. By allowing the Spirit to fill my heart, I leave myself open to hearing Your Voice; That’s prayer for me. And in writing these public emails to You Lord, I’ve found yet another conduit to focus my thoughts, hopes and prayers, while hopefully inspiring others to listen in the Stillness for Your Voice, and to better revel in Your Grace. Amen. ~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
The closer I get to God, the more I recognize His voice. He is speaking all the time; we just have to be still and listen. Thank you for posting this.
Hi Lisa. It’s funny how that works, isn’t it? His Voice is always there in some fashion, I think we just need to be receptive to hearing it, and then allowing it to help guide our actions. Thank you so much for your comment, and I very much enjoyed reading your blog as well! Have a Blessed day!
I always used to struggle with the instruction to “pray continuously.” As a younger man I wondered whether I was supposed to cut myself off from the world and join some kind of monastery, spending 24 hours a day on my knees. When would I sleep? When would I eat? I found an answer in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” God is always with us. Yes, sometimes we are in a better position to listen than others, but we are to try to live our lives in a manner such that we are always open to His voice. We should behave every moment so that He could sign His name to our work at the end of each day. God should be consulted, either explicitly or implicitly, in every decision we make. Fantastic post Phil.
I agree completely Ken. By opening myself to His Voice and Guidance, the more I feel His Presence in my life and the more fulfilled I become. Prayer I’ve decided, is less about short focused sessions than it is about dwelling in His Love and recognizing his Blessings each day. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving my friend!