Praying with Gratitude and Faith: A Closer Look at My Daily Communication with God

When I pray, it is not merely to ask for material possessions or seek help in times of need. It is an act of drawing nearer to God, one that allows me to connect with my Creator and Heavenly Father in a profound and transformative way. 'Abdu’l-Bahá, in his statement, beautifully encapsulates this experience, emphasizing the purity of heart and the joyous spirit with which one should approach prayer:

"Draw nigh unto Him with a pure heart, cheerful face, gazing eye and a joyful spirit and plunge with thy whole being into the sea of the love of God and forget all else save Him so that thou mayest be filled with such spiritual sentiments from the kingdom of God which will take the reins of desire from thy hands and move thee with the power of thy Lord just as the wind moveth a mote in the open air as it willeth."

My relationship with God is not a one-sided transaction, nor is it out of a sense of obligation. It is a two-way conversation where I express gratitude, seek guidance, and share the multitude of blessings in my life. Just like any healthy relationship, it involves communication that encompasses a wide range of emotions and experiences from love and joy to questions, doubts, and even disagreements.

A Living Relationship with God

To me, prayer is simply talking to God, and I do it constantly throughout the day as though He were by my side. I express my gratitude and thanksgiving for the many blessings in my life, such as my wife of 44 years, my children, my family, and my home. These expressions of gratitude are not just occasional, but a daily occurrence, reflecting the deep bond I share with God:

"I thank Him for a good night’s rest and for keeping us safe while we slept. We are a family who says grace before meals not out of obligation but gratitude."

Answered Prayers and Spiritual Growth

Prayers can take many forms, from silent petitions to conversations with those around us. I often shoot silent prayers at random people I encounter throughout the day, and I never hesitate to ask for help in walking in the Spirit rather than my flesh. I also pray for the needs of others and for the salvation of specific individuals, including many dear souls I meet online.

One remarkable example of answered prayer involved my mother, Mercy. Despite her adherence to the Catholic faith, my mother began to question the beliefs of her church, especially regarding salvation, the role of Mary, and the concept of Purgatory. Influenced by my continuous sharing of the Scriptures, she started to ponder these things and was ultimately able to understand the truth of God's Word.

During the last week of her life, Mercy was in her hospital bed surrounded by her family. As I prayed for a specific answer to my prayer, it did not come to pass. However, the next day, as we gathered around her, she thanked God for her life and family and stated her unwavering trust in Jesus Christ. Her last words confirmed to me that she was ready to enter into Glory, a moment that I continue to praise God for.

My mother's journey was a powerful testimony to the transformative power of prayer and the freedom that comes from acknowledging Jesus Christ as the only sinless One who could save us. It was an affirmation of her place in God's Kingdom, not because of her good deeds, but because of her faith in Christ's work on the cross.

Conclusion

Prayer is an ongoing dialogue of gratitude, love, and faith. While I do ask for help and guidance, it is not a one-time transaction but a continuous conversation that shapes my relationship with my Creator. I share my experiences and insights about answered prayers in the hope that others might find inspiration and encouragement in their own spiritual journeys. All praise and glory to Almighty God for His enduring love and guidance.