For many years my in-laws had a place up in southwest Colorado that is isolated and remote. There is a stream that runs through that property that is filled with brook trout, and a pond that has rainbow and browns in it. It is over 10,000 feet, so it takes some time to adjust to the thinner air. The drive up there is about fifteen hours, but I thought it was well worth it.

They sold the place a few years ago. We have not been there for more than three years, and did not think we would ever be able to do so again. I was especially thinking about going up there with the continued triple digit temps here in North Texas. And just recently, we received a wonderful, unexpected blessing from God: we are going to be able to go back next summer.

I am already thinking about that trip. I usually get up early and head to that stream to see if I will have trout for dinner that day or not. Some days we do, some we don’t. But I enjoy the time fishing either way. That is because I also use that time for prayer. And it is more than just praying I’ll catch something. When I am up there fishing that stream, I won’t see anyone else for several hours. And I think about what Jesus did:

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

No one else is around, there is no cell phone service, no distractions other than hooking a fish every now and then. It is a good time for me to exercise the privilege of being able to talk to my Father in heaven. And I talk to Him about everything. My shortcomings. My family. Those who are struggling. Those who are experiencing joy and blessing. I let Him know that I know He is in control. And I know He is listening.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14)

 That is an important thing to understand about prayer. We can talk to God about anything, and He invites us to do so. But we dare not think prayer is a way to manipulate God. He is in control, not us. So we follow the example Jesus gave us in our prayers:

… not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

For me, it is comforting to talk to God and know that He always wants what is best for me. He will answer my prayers in the way that is most beneficial for me, even if it is not the way I think He should answer. I have this confidence because I know what He did for me in Christ.

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

Of course, I don’t have to wait to go up there to pray. It is important for each of us to find a time and a place every day for prayer. Find what works for you. You can pray anywhere and anytime, but find that time and place where you can minimize distractions and simply talk to God. I think you will be glad you did.