I have always prayed, since I was a kid.  It was taught in Sunday school, and church and youth group (again at church) and well – it was everywhere.

Sometimes its a quick “Lord, please help me get through this day” and sometimes I will spend the entire time I’m in the shower praying fervently for 10-15 minutes (however long it takes me that day).  As I fall asleep at night, same thing.  I woke up in the middle of the night on Saturday night and for the life of me, could not go back to sleep.  So I prayed.  I prayed for God to watch over friends in Virginia, and name after name popped into my head – even people I haven’t thought of in a long time.  One thing that stands out in my mind from youth group when it comes to praying is “ACTS” – it was sort of a guideline to prayer.  A – Adoration, C – Confession, T – Thanksgiving, S – Supplication.   The first being a time to adore our father, and all the wondrous things he has done for us.  The second being a time for confession, and asking god to forgive us for our sins.  Third, thanksgiving – thanking him for all the things he has done for us.  Lastly, supplication, asking God “for stuff” (lack of a better way to put it).  I think sometimes people focus more on that last part, versus the other 3 parts.  After learning about the “ACTS” – I don’t think I have ever prayed in any other way, I always follow this format.  (thanks Rutledge family for teaching us this!)

We have a prayer list in our Sunday school class, and this Sunday we wrote “house stuff – of course”.  We have been trying to sell Jake’s house since November 28th – we just didn’t think it would take this long or be this hard.  We knew listing it between holidays was a bit dicey, but we didn’t have a thing to lose.  Houses in his neighborhood typically have been selling within 2-3 months.  We are about to hit that 3 month mark and we are both starting to worry – a lot.   Last week we finalized the offer on a house that would be perfect for our family.  Its beautiful, and in the right price range and schools.  It has 4 bedrooms AND a bonus room.  It has a cool backyard and an office.  It fits us, it has room for the kids, and room for maybe 1 more.   It has a 2 car garage, and it is honestly exactly what we have been looking for.  The only catch – we have to sell Jake’s house.  We had to do a contingency contract and that’s terrifying.  Needless to say Jake and I worry, a lot.  I think sometimes I worry more than him, because his typical response to me is “we will figure it out, we always do” (and in some ways, he is right – we always work it out).

The Bible says a lot about worry.  Matthew 6:33-34 says  “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”