Pour Out Your Heart

Several years ago, I read an article by Beth Moore that helped me learn to pray. She talked about allowing God to "satisfy us in the morning with His unfailing love," as the writer of Psalm 90:14 prayed. Every day we awaken to new needs and concerns. So many things crowd our minds and hearts. There is no room for God to come in and fill us with peace and love. Beth talks about Psalm 62:8 which says, "pour out your heart before Him." Pouring out involves confessing sins and shortcomings, but also just telling God honestly how we feel. Did someone hurt our feelings? Are we angry? Do we feel discouraged? Do we have no interest in praying? Do we doubt? I am learning to give up the idea of praying a perfect, spiritual prayer. I'll settle for just telling God about all these things. I am amazed at much freer I feel after I empty all these thoughts out. God knows it all anyway, and understands. Pouring it all out makes room for wisdom, encouragement and direction to flood in. Simple ideas come about how to plan my day. I remember to pray for a family member or situation. Insights about the Lord come. His joy, peace and love seem more real and present. Other people and EVEN OURSELVES often interrupt, criticize or distract. Only God always lets us pour out our hearts to Him in honesty.