Read: Matthew 6:5-13

“Let’s pray,” Mom said, closing the Bible she and Travis had been reading. They were having devotions together, just the two of them, because Dad was out of town.

“You pray,” said Travis. “Okay?”

“Okay,” said Mom, “but don’t you want to talk to God too?”

Travis shook his head. “Not today.” Then he squirmed while Mom prayed aloud, wishing she’d hurry up. God already knows everything, doesn’t He? Travis thought. Why do we have to tell Him all this stuff He already knows?

When Travis was playing in his room the next day, he heard Mom’s phone ring. He went on playing until it suddenly occurred to him the phone call might be from his dad. Travis rushed into the kitchen just in time to see Mom put down her phone. “Was that Dad?” he asked. “I want to talk to him. I want to tell him about our ball game and ask him if he’s gotten over his cold.”

“He wanted to talk with you too, but there was another call coming in and he had to answer it,” Mom said. “But his cold is much better, and I told him all about the ball game.”

“It isn’t the same as me telling him,” Travis said. “And besides, I haven’t talked to him in days. I want to talk to Dad.”

“Well, let’s call him back a little later so the two of you can talk,” said Mom.

They called Dad that evening, and Travis talked with his father for several minutes. After hanging up, Travis grinned at his mom. “Dad was glad we called back. He said he liked having me tell him about all the stuff I’ve been doing, even though he already knew about it.”

“Your father loves to have conversations with you,” said Mom. “And now, let’s have our devotions. After all, our heavenly Father loves to have conversations with us too.”

Travis nodded. “I guess He’d like me to tell Him the same stuff I told Dad. He’d like to hear it even though He already knows about it, right?”

“He definitely would,” said Mom. “He wants to hear it from you.”

–Katherine Adams

How about you? When you pray, do you feel like you’re repeating things God already knows? Yes, He does know everything, but He wants you to tell Him about what’s going on in your life. He loves you and wants to be included in your daily routine. You can talk with Him anytime and anywhere throughout your day, but it’s also good to have a special time set aside to pray and listen to what He has to say to you in His Word, the Bible.

Today's Key Verse: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: God wants to hear from you