little prayers
Little prayers. Quiet prayers. Silent prayers.
I think those are the sweetest prayers of all.
The itty-bitty small requests.
The random asks that only matter to me.
The seemingly insignificant things that only God would care enough to do.
They are the prayers that could easily go unanswered.
They might sound a little silly, and to some may even seem too insignificant to pray.
Witnessing those answered prayers has transformed my faith.
I was thinking about this the other night while I was falling asleep.
As I recounted my day, I remembered a few small prayers I had prayed. I had prayed for help where I was weak, for people to talk to, invitations into conversations, and a buddy as I navigated corporate social events. And to my utter surprise, I realized God had answered every one of my prayers.
He had provided for me the whole day. When I walked out of my hotel room, nervous about navigating to the conference center alone, a coworker “just so happened” to be on his way too. When my stomach started to turn in knots at the thought of walking into the evening reception alone, another coworker texted me asking if I’d like to walk in with her. And when my social battery had depleted, but I wasn’t sure how to leave, a group of my coworkers announced they were heading back to their rooms.
That whole day. Time after time, prayer after prayer, He answered.
They were such small things. Could I have walked alone, sat alone, found my way alone? Probably with a bit of stress but yes. And yet, He cared enough to answer each request.
Isn’t that just the sweetest thing ever?
There’s something so profoundly special about a quiet little prayer that God answers. Because when a butterfly soars in front of your nose right after you smiled up at heaven and asked to see one before your eyes… it’s hard describe. The gratitude, the love, the intimately personal gesture that is. Because in that moment, it was all for you. Only for you that He did that thing. God not only heard your prayer, but He delighted your heart with a response.
Big prayers—a job offer, a new friend, a financial blessing—those prayers are special, don’t get me wrong. But goodness, dare I say, I think the little ones are even more special to me.
There’s something about knowing God sees you, loves you, and is with you right in that very moment. I feel so treasured. Because something that small, like asking for a parking spot in a stressfully packed lot, could go unnoticed.
What kind of God answers a prayer like that? For your coffee to taste good? For a 6-hour night of sleep to feel like an 8-hour night of sleep? The God of the universe. He answers prayers like that.
Over the years, I’ve made a habit of praying these prayers throughout my day. When I was in college, I challenged myself to take the biblical principle of “praying without ceasing” as literally as I could. And what started as a curious challenge morphed into a habit I’m deeply fond of today.
I began by talking with God as often as I could. I’d tell Him how I was feeling, what I was thinking, and most importantly, what I was grateful for. I let gratitude become my default. When something made me smile, I’d thank God for it. When I was alone, I’d chat His ear off.
When something is going to be difficult or out of my comfort zone, I ask God for help. Sometimes it ends up being as difficult as I imagined. But I can tell you, without a doubt, it’s always better knowing God is with me.
Before long, this habit of talking with God created a sense of dependence in me. My weaknesses became avenues to witness God’s kindness. No matter what I was doing, prayer was involved.
God wants to hear from us. He wants us to be dependent on Him. I’ve taken that truth and run with it. These are some examples of prayers I’ve prayed on repeat, over and over again. And yes, I absolutely BEAM every time He graciously answers one of them.
To see wildlife on a hike. (I pray this one every time I’m in nature, and He delights me every time)
To see the sun break through an overcast morning at the end of my run.
To have someone to talk to when I’m going somewhere new.
To have the social energy I need to be engaged at an event.
To make it to work on time when I’m cutting it close.
To see or smell something unexpected and delightful on a walk.
To keep me safe when I’m driving home late and tired.
For God to extend my time as I productively work through a long to-do list.
For a headache or stomachache to go away.
For the energy to go hard in a 7pm dance class after a tiring day at work.
For time spent with a friend to be life-giving and full of laughter.
For a servant heart when I catch myself being self-centered.
Pray for everything all the time. Bring the smallest of things to your Father. I can guarantee you when His response makes you smile, you’ll understand what I mean. Make God your closest confidant. Pray little prayers.
Remember, you are loved by God, wonderfully made, and beautifully you. Don’t let someone else’s voice speak louder than what’s true.
Until next time…
hugs,
Kylie
