Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

To love Christ for a lifetime, you must become a God chaser, actively pursuing Him daily. This passionate pursuit requires discipline and intentionality. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus retreating to be alone with the Father. We are called to imitate Him, and just as He pulled away from the busyness and noise of life to seek the Father, so too must we.

In Luke 4:42, it tells us, “At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place.” Early mornings spent in solitude have always been special to me. There’s something about the stillness of dawn that makes it a powerful time for prayer and reflection. It’s a time when distractions are minimal, and my heart feels more attuned to hearing God’s voice.
But what about you? What time of day do you consistently set aside for God? Practicing spiritual disciplines helps us become more sensitive to the Father’s voice. Among these disciplines, prayer is paramount. A good goal is to aim for an hour a day in prayer. Now, don’t panic! You don’t need to start with a full hour right away. Begin with what you can realistically commit to.

In Matthew 26:40, Jesus addressed His disciples for not being able to stay awake and pray for an hour: “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” This challenge resonates with all of us. It reminds us that prayer is not just a checkbox on our to-do list, but an invitation into deeper relationship with God.

To make prayer more manageable, consider planning your prayer time. You could spend 10 minutes in worship, 10 minutes giving thanks, and then dedicate additional blocks of time: 10 minutes praying specifically for your church community, 10 minutes for government leaders, 10 minutes for friends and family, and the remaining 10 for your own needs. This structured approach not only makes an hour feel achievable but also enriches your prayer life.

Imagine how your life would change if you dedicated just one hour a day to talking with God. If that sounds daunting, start small! Choose three areas from above and commit to praying for just 15 minutes: five minutes in worship and thanksgiving, followed by 10 minutes for family and friends, and then share your needs. Over time, you’ll find that you’re naturally starting to converse with God more as you navigate life.
To truly find God, we have to seek Him. In Jeremiah 29:13, we are reminded, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” He desires to reveal Himself to us, but we must actively pursue Him.

So, I ask you: What amount of time are you willing to commit to spending in prayer, and when will you carve out that time? Whether it’s during the early morning hours like me, your lunch break, or before bed, make a decision today to prioritize this relationship. Becoming a God chaser is a journey that transforms your heart and deepens your love for Christ—a pursuit worth every moment spent in His presence.

Embrace the challenge, and you may discover a profound connection with God that shapes your life in ways you’ve yet to imagine. Happy chasing!