I was sitting outside today. No phone. No books. Just me, our dog, Maya, and some sunscreen and bug spray. I do live in Georgia, after all.

As I sat outside, my only distractions being the birds in our yard, I asked God to hear the prayers of my heart. This time, I didn’t have a list of prayer requests or a prayer journal to help guide my prayers. I just slowed down, enjoying being outside with my feet in the grass, soaking up some Vitamin D.

As I sat quietly, I was reminded of Mark 12:30, when Jesus said the greatest commandment was, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

As I reflected on these words, I heard what my heart wanted to say to God. I asked that my heart be filled with God’s joy, my soul with the hope of eternity, my mind with the renewal of Scripture, and my body with strength and discipline to bring him glory.

As I prayed this, my heart felt lighter, knowing that God gave me these words to refresh my life and bring joy to my actions. This quiet desire for Him was both simple and profound.

I hope this draws you closer to God and maybe even encourages you to stop and be still and let God work in your heart and mind. He is a good God and is greatly to be praised!

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