I have a confession to make ... I don't like being called a "Prayer Warrior". I'm so far from being what that intimates, that it's uncomfortable when someone associates me with those words.

I looked on the Internet and according to what I found there, the words "prayer warrior" are not found in Scripture. That phrase was coined by someone, supposedly in the South, and pertains to people who are given to times of intense praying. To people who give lengthy amounts of time in praying for the needs of others. People who come against Satan and earnestly strive to contend with him through prayer. Sadly, that is not me at this time in my life.

What I do find myself doing is trying to maintain an attitude of prayer through-out the day. Reminding myself that our Father already knows what's going on and I'm to do my best by praying for His will to be done in the lives of those He puts on my heart. For His will to be done in the situations of this world. I ask myself: Is this enough?

Have you ever had a time when you just didn't pray? You weren't sure what to pray for? I've been through that and it's an awful feeling. The more I didn't pray, the longer I didn't pray. Then, as I dealt with guilt and wondered how to get 'back' to where I had once been in my prayer life, the thought came to me, "Begin right here and right now. Don't wait for a big bang or for the lights to start flashing - pray!"

I've struggled to be what other people labeled me to be for long enough. I am a sinner saved by the grace of God. He loved me ... while I was in darkness and still in sin, He loved me enough to make me His child. I didn't pray for that. He did the work first and then put the ability to pray within me. I've sadly mis-used that gift. I've neglected that gift. I've taken that gift for granted. My reasoning: Well, He already knows all about the situation anyway....

God forgive me. God, please change me. What He allowed me to see just recently is that I need to repent of my neglect in prayer and agree with what He already knows about me ... then, talk to Him about what's on my heart and what's going on in the lives of those I love. Talk and talk and talk and then .... close my mouth and be still and listen ... listen ... listen.

I intend to write more about this topic and I intend, with the Lord's much needed help, to make time in my day just for Him. I schedule for other things as God leads, why not schedule for prayer time?

James 5:16 says: Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

I confess to you who read this, I am not where I should be in my prayer / devotional life. I am too busy. I need to weed out some good things and make room for the Best things. Nothing is more important than time with the Father.

A heart-felt thank you to Amrita and Trish for sharing their hearts with me and enabling me to be honest with you and with myself.