“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” (Psalm 4:1) Why do we pray? We pray for many reasons, including praising God, giving thanks, gratitude, guidance, comfort, forgiveness, hope, assurance, strength, wisdom, and sometimes we have no words we just pray because we do not know what to do. We even pray for others, lifting up their hurts and concerns. When we pray, we are in communication with God. We are telling God what is going on in our life. As we tell God our hurts and concerns, we begin to feel better, or angry, or even hurt because we do not know if He hears us. Then there are those who know that God is there and feel this powerful connection—trusting God will see them through. Prayer is our way of talking to God—even when we do not feel His presence. It is a way we express ourselves to the Lord God Almighty. Today, no matter what is going on in your life spend some time alone with God. Share your thoughts and concerns, your joys and your sorrows—praise God and give thanks. And whether or not you feel God know He is there, trust in that knowledge. God is with us always. God is moving in and through us in all situations and circumstance. God Bless. Amen.