Renata and I were having a quick lunch at the airport before ascending the heavens. I was in a rush to order, because if we had to leave before the food arrived, I wouldn’t be a happy chappy.

As always Renata was taking her time. She even started chatting to the man next to her. He was a baseball coach. They were having a nice chat and when he asked what we did for a living, I could see it had an impact on him.

He immediately said he was feeling bad about his way of life. He didn’t always do the right thing, but what was bothering him the most was that he did not pray enough.

“Yes,” said Renata, “when we pray, we are talking to God.”

He bowed his head and said: “To be honest, I haven’t prayed in a long time.”

When he got up to go, he said that he would from now on make a point of praying every morning.

To pray is to talk. In conversation with others, we get to know one another, we have the courage to open our hearts and say what we want to say. We can complain and put our needs sincerely on the table.

When we talk to God in prayer, we get to know one another. Or rather, God already knows us, because He made us. But we don’t know Him that well, and that is why we have to talk to Him all the time. So that we can hear what is in His heart, hear what His will is for our lives, to understand where He is going with us.

In my conversation with God, I can state my case, I can speak my mind. Everything that bothers me. All the challenges waiting at the front door. Everything that is not going well. In a way, my regular conversations with God deserve it.

Then, when I stand at the stop street in life and don’t know which way to go, I will stop right there and boldly ask God for wisdom to make the decision. This is only possible in an intimate prayer relationship with God.

Here is a promise for you: ⁶Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.

Take note, it doesn’t say cars or houses or money or status or even happiness. Just wisdom. This reminds me of Solomon. God said to him that he could ask God for anything and God would give it to him. Solomon didn’t choose all the money in the world. He didn’t choose the best land or cattle. He asked for wisdom.

With wisdom we can certainly make a difference in the world. We can make our own lives so much better. So, let’s make sure that we talk to God all the time. Let’s try our best, like the coach, to get to God every day, so that when we need wisdom, we can freely ask for it. Then we will be overcome with peace, because God’s promises will come true.

Scripture
James 1:1-8

Reflection
What does your prayer life look like?
Do you spend enough time talking to God?
Do you make enough time to listen to God?

Prayer
Father, I must confess that I don’t make enough time for You. I don’t talk to You enough and listen even less. Help me spend more time with You. Help me listen for Your wisdom. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.