“Seek and you will find.” (Luke 11:9)

The last couple of days, I have struggled with my prayer. My mind wanders, distractions creep in, and I have a hard time listening to God.

But I keep coming back.

That is what stood out to me in today’s Gospel. Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock. There is persistence in those words. We don’t just ask once and walk away.

Then Paul asks the Galatians whether they received the Holy Spirit through works of the law or through faith.

That made me think about my own prayer routine. I have been doing it for years, and I believe it is good. But just going through the routine isn’t enough. It can become another habit, something I do without really opening my heart to God.

I need faith. I need to truly seek Him.

And sometimes, if I’m being truthful, I think I am a little afraid to let God all the way in. Maybe that is why the words from the psalm stood out to me, that we might worship Him without fear.

Something else came up in my prayer. I spend a lot of time thinking about other people, but I don’t always do a good job of being present to them. I can be so caught up in thought that I miss the person right in front of me.

Maybe seeking God and being present to others have something in common. Both require more than just showing up.

So my prayer today is for the Holy Spirit to help me put aside my distractions, overcome my fears, and truly seek God. And to help me see and love the people He puts in front of me.

Where in your life might you be going through the motions instead of truly being present?

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-5 | Luke 1:69-75 | Luke 11:5-13