First.

One of the young ladies (a H.S. Senior) from our youth group at church, sang during yesterday's offering. She did a cover of First, as performed by Lauren Daigle. An incredibly powerful song, her performance was phenomenal.

Yet I found myself being reminded once again, the struggle we all face in our faith with going to God and doing so first.

Before our needs, before our cares... are we really giving Him our heart and our praise?
Are we doing so first?

It remains, all to easy to let frustration dominate when things go south. We respond from our emotions as we rise to confront the matter, rather than in prayer as we fall to our knees.

Pastor said it well yesterday, as we discussed Jesus time in the garden of Gethsemane, leading to his betrayal.

"Prayer should be a first response, not a last resort."

However, it seems that one of two things happens. We respond in prayer when it's only the worst of circumstances. We seek him when things have gotten the most difficult.

I know, it's easy to think Pastor's have their spiritual life "so in order" or that anyone who has been a Christian should have their faith "down" by now.

Still, it's a daily sacrifice. To bring our heart to Him before submitting our needs; to raise our arms in worship before we cast our cares. To seek His face before seeking direction. We come to Him for what we need from Him rather than simply for who He is (and by we, I'll stand first to confess).

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that indeed, we would be ever aware to respond to life in prayer. Not only may we be quick to bring our needs and cares, but even quicker to present our hearts and hands in worship, seeking only Him, rather than to simply receive from Him. May we not wait until the final hour, but in the first seconds. Though the struggle is real, pray the strength of God would work and revive our hearts and minds; drawing us ever closer to His presence.

First... in our response,
In our worship,
In our requests.
Seeking the face of God;
Lifting up the name of Christ.
To Him who sits on the throne
Be blessing, glory, honor and power,
Forever and ever, amen.

- PNC