Pray the Small Prayers
Author: Abi Oxley Derrick
March 23, 2023
Every year as a church, we focus on a word that God has for us. It reminds us of the vision that He has put forth, and encourages us to be faithful in it. For 2023, our word is prayer. It may feel simple, a little “well, duh” moment, but in reality, it is a massive piece of our faith. A continual, intentional, and active focus on prayer is what will take our church body to a deeper level of faith this year.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
The idea of “praying without ceasing” can feel kind of overwhelming, and also just super impractical. What does Paul even mean when he tells us to do this? So often we get bogged down with the idea that prayer has to be formal, eloquent, and intense. But in reality, this scripture is just a reminder that God wants to be in constant communication with us. Whether it sounds pretty or not. He just wants to hear from His kids.
A few years ago, I found myself with a desire, a strong urge, to know Jesus more deeply. To better understand His heart for me, and to have a relationship that was so connected that turning to Him first became an instinct. With that, the Lord challenged me to pray the small prayers. Rather than keeping things for myself, and attempting to do day-to-day life on my own, God asked me to bring Him into it ALL! Even the small things!
Sometimes it can feel silly to bring our small requests to the Lord, but I’m encouraged by 1 John 5:14. It says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he HEARS us.”
He hears us! Every single word! And even more than hearing us, He DEEPLY cares for us. He cares that I’ve misplaced my keys and am freaking out because I’m going to be late. He cares that I’m tired from a rough night's sleep and need some supernatural energy. He cares that I’m tired of cooking dinner every night and need some inspiration for recipes. These things sound silly, and are so small in the grand scheme of things, BUT, praying these small prayers bring intimacy, and I love that Jesus wants to hear them.
I’m reminded of how eager I am to share everything with my spouse. All the details of my day, the conversations I had, and the little things that may have gotten me frustrated or worried. And my husband genuinely cares, and wants to hear about it! How much more does our Heavenly Father want to be a part of every detail of our day?
By praying the small prayers, the worried prayers, the bold prayers, the agonizing prayers, and the silly prayers, I’ve learned that God’s heart for His kids is so FOR us. He cares so deeply for you.
So today, whatever your small prayer is, pray it.
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