Even in the midst of a Saturday bustling with tailgate food, plans for a football game, housework, and grading, I pause to pray. It’s OK to tell God everything, to rejoice, to confess, and to ask. It makes all the difference in the world to pause and simply ask for what you need and talk to Jesus: He calls Himself a friend (John 15:15). He’s a friend, a brother (Hebrews 2:11), a Good Father (Matthew 7:11), and a Gracious King (Revelation 17:14). He’s a Good Shepherd (John 10:11), a healer (Matthew 4:23), an empathizer (John 11:35), and a faithful guide (John 14:26). He’s a wisdom-giver (James 3:17), a gift-giver (James 1:17), a provider (Matthew 15), and even a weather-controller (Matthew 8:23). He’s everything you need Him to be!
I ask Him to bless our day as a family. I ask that we enjoy laughter and connection, special surprises, and moments of true joy. I pray for easy arrival and departure from a football game drawing over 200,000 people. I pray for safety, and I even pray for warmth for my little toes and fingers when the temperature drops.
Sometimes people have said these are selfish, trivial prayers and that God wouldn’t care or answer small prayers. But consider how God “formed the hearts of all and considers everything they do” (Psalm 33:15). Consider the invitation to “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). I see no qualifying statements that only certain needs matter to God. I see no stipulations, reservations, or judgment passed on those who come to God with anything on their heart.