By: Elizabeth Haarberg

I Am!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

What happens when we are in need of help in the form of prayer? I might ask for prayer from someone or a group who is known to pray. What about after that? Then I seek God. Or vice versa.

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;” Psalm 63:1 English Standard Version

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” Psalm 105:4 English Standard Version

Prayer from others is paramount in our faith, but seeking God can only come from us individually. It’s our responsibility to search Him out. God is always present; He never moves, but we get distracted, or at least I do.

Living a good, clean life, raising kids well, and working are all good things, but if any of those “good” things keeps me from seeking Him, I know I need to get back on track.

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:22-23 English Standard Version

We can insert “but I went to church every Sunday” or “we told everyone about you” for “prophesying and casting out demons.” If I am going through the motions, Jesus will not truly know us in the way he desires. Being in a relationship with Him is my responsibility; no one else can do that for me.

Set aside time during the day to worship or pray. I do a lot of connecting with God in the car. If I have extra time I will take a walk on a trail and pray or worship while I exercise. Praying while working is also a good practice. We can connect with God at so many points during the day. The connection doesn’t have to be formal. He’s just waiting for us, anytime, anywhere.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Spring, Colorado