Prayer Day

I'm up and at it early this morning because it's our Church's quarterly Prayer Day. (No, we don't pray once a quarter and wait until next quarter to converse with God) Today is the day we go into the church - the lights are low, the candles are lit, soft worship music is playing and the Holy Spirit is thick! I LOVE meeting God on these mornings. We sign up for half and hour time slots and I often think, "I just want to stay here all day!"
There are no children tugging at your sleeve, no phones ringing, no one knocking at your door. It's just you and God. We spend this time in prayer over many things. This morning I'll be praising my Savior for who He is, what he does and the promises I have in Him. I'll be lifting up those around me that are sick with cancer, ALS, depression. I'll be praying for the children in my classroom and their families, children in our community that need someone to intercede for them or that need Christ in their life. I'll be lifting up President Obama and his cabinet members, Pastor Mark, Pastor Joe and Children's Ministry Leader, Rhonda and the responsibility they have to teach US to minister to this community and world. I'll be praying for my fellow teachers, Mrs. Bohr - our principal, Dr. Howe - our superintendent and those teaching on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights at our church. I will then spend time on my knees for my own family. I'll pray over my husband and children in depth and for my extended family as well as needs I have personally.

When I leave these mornings I always re-evaluate my personal prayer life. Am I spending quality time with God or sending up only little arrow prayers? (By the way, I am a huge fan of arrow prayers and I know God answers those) Does He know my heart because He's God or because I spend enough time with Him that I lay my heart at His feet?
Oh, my life is busy as is all of ours. I don't ever want it to be so busy though that God gets squeezed in instead of focused on.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)

Today may you find time to praise God from whom all blessings flow. Let him hear your petitions and thanksgiving that your heart and spirit might be drawn even closer to Him.