1 Samuel 7:3-9

Colbi Schuster

The clock said 4:43AM and I had been awake for over 2 hours.  The harder I tried to fall asleep, the longer I lay awake.

My mind raced with events from the previous day, things I did not get done, things I needed to get done tomorrow, anxious thoughts of tomorrow's meetings and deadlines, insecurities and fears.  I tried to pray.  I prayed to be able to quiet my mind and to fall asleep so I could face the coming day a more rested and pleasant person.  My prayer lasted about 30 seconds before my thoughts drifted back to the dishes in the sink and the towels in the dryer.  I rolled to the other side of the bed and tried to pray again.  Another 30 seconds passed before my thoughts drifted.  I thought if I didn't get to sleep soon there wouldn't be enough coffee in the pot to keep me awake all day at work!

In today's scripture, Samuel prayed for the Israelites and the Israelites prayed for themselves.  They prayed fervently and God answered.  God hears our prayers...even the unfocused, 30 second prayers in the middle of the night.  He hears all of our prayers, all of the time.  That's a comforting thought – maybe even comforting enough to induce sleep at 4:43AM.  I'll remember that next time.  In the meantime, I'll just keep trying and just keep praying...sometimes fervently and sometimes not.  I know God hears me either way.

Questions for Reflection:

• What are the different ways you pray to God?
• How does it make you feel to know that God hears ALL your prayers?

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for always listening to us.  Help us to remember we can come to you anytime.  Amen.