A few months ago, I started praying a new prayer.

I don’t know why, actually. The prayer wasn’t supposed to ease anxiety. But that’s what happened.

It’s slowed my racing heart, increased my joy, and…believe it or not…started making it easier to get things done.

For example: I wasn’t sure how I’d make time to write this article today. In the middle of stressing about workload and timelines and schedules, I stopped to pray. And it really seriously helped.

(Who would’ve guessed? Not me who’s written numerous articles on the importance of prayer. *eyeroll*)

That’s when I decided to share the prayer I’ve been praying.

It’s really simple: “God, I’m glad I’m here with you right now.”

It’s just such a natural expression of gratitude. Of my heart, honestly. Because that’s how I am with other people. When I’m with someone I care about, it doesn’t matter what we’re doing.

I remember sitting on the stairs and talking with my mom about random things at 11 o’clock last time I visited home. And I thought, I’m so glad I’m here with you.

It’s the beating of my heart, the secret thing I’m whispering to myself, the bright joy of my life that I can’t fully put into words. 

It’s not about belonging, actually. It’s just this deep, abiding gratitude for you. For the people around me. And when that extends to God….wow.

I know, often we need to focus on relating to people more rightly in context of how we relate to God. But sometimes, we need to let our instincts lead.

The good things you naturally appreciate about other people…do you appreciate them about God?

Gratitude is my key

Gratitude is a huge thing for me. It’s one of my guiding life principles. 

And I’ll talk until my face turns blue to convince you to practice it too (and I could do that without saying a word that’s not in the Bible). BUT God made us different.

Maybe there’s a different guiding principle to your life. And what I want to share today is that I learned to take those inherent principles to me…to how I relate to friends and family…and apply them to God. 

And WOW. It feels like flying.

Because no matter how amazing connecting to other people is…no matter how fulfilling…it’s nothing compared to connecting to God. We were designed for both, but one is better. So much better. 

Application

You could start praying this prayer. I think it would be amazing if you did. But at the same time God made us different. 

And it’s so easy for prayers like this to become a formula. I’ve done that! I’ve recited prayers that worked before to try and ease crippling terror. But formulas don’t work so well for relationships.

And this is about your relationship with God.

So I want you to get out there, talk with Him, and see if you stumble across an amazing prayer that’s inherent to you. 

Feel things out. Express all your thoughts to God. Invite His peace to cover you. 

I hope and pray you feel a deep gladness that you’re in those moments with Him. <3 He’s glad to be in those moments with you.