Right now it is easier for me to not pray than it is for me to pray.
Just like it is easier to eat chips than an apple or carrots.
Just like it is easier to put my feet up than to put them into action.
Just like it is easier to turn on the noise than to sit in silence.
Just like it is easier to be at home alone than to knock on my neighbor’s door.
Just like it is easier to do the thing I do not want to do than to do the thing I want to do.
Easier isn’t better.
Better is better.
And it is better for me to pray.

If you get in the car and turn the volume all the way down to zero, you’ll find the silence. It’s loud at first, but you’ll get used to it. Sometimes good things are hard to get used to. Put the car in drive and leave your distractions behind. Keep your phone in your pocket or in the back seat. Stop at the stop signs. Go through the green lights. Follow the speed limit, but ignore the clock. You have nowhere to be but right where you are. As you move along, open your mouth and speak to the One who is with you. You're not alone. You’ve never been alone. Don’t speak inside your head, but let your ears hear the sound of your voice, the tone of your thoughts. Speak to God. If you need to, scream and cry. God can handle it. Let yourself be honest. Let yourself hear what you are thanking God for. Let yourself hear what you are asking of God. Let yourself hear the sins you remember and confess. Let yourself hear the names of the ones who are in and on your heart and mind. Do not rush to say, “Amen.” Before you do, let yourself hear the silence you sit in as you listen. Do not forget to listen. Do this again and again. When life is good and bad and everything in-between, pray. Let prayer become a joy in your life. Change will find you as you sit and speak and listen in the presence of God. Soon you’ll see it’s about being with the One who said, “Come to me and I will give you rest.” And He does.

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.