Friendly Conversation

"What did you talk about in Sunday school today?" Sienna's dad asked as the family drove home from church. "We learned that Jesus took time out of his busy day to pray," replied Sienna."Yes, He did, and that's a good thing for all of us to do," said Dad. "Yeah, I know," said Sienna with a sigh. "I'm just so busy these days. I have basketball and gymnastics and Bible club, and I have a lot more homework this year too. I just don't have time to pray very much." Mom smiled at her. "Sienna, what's the first thing you do when you get home from school?" Sienna thought about it. "I call Mariana," she answered. "Unless she calls me first." "And why do you call Mariana?" asked Mom."Because she's my friend," replied Sienna. "If you're so busy, how do you find time to talk to her every day?" asked Mom.Sienna shrugged. "I don't know--I just do. I make the time. I like talking with her--she's my friend." "Well, Jesus is our friend too," said Dad. "He wants to be our very best friend. We should spend time talking with Jesus because we love Him--just like you spend time talking with Mariana because you care about her." "But I never really know what to say when I pray," said Sienna. "It seems like the stuff I want to talk about wouldn't interest God." "Oh, but it does," said Dad. "Jesus died and rose again so we could have a relationship with Him, and He cares about all our thoughts and feelings. And you can talk to Him anytime and anyplace."Mom nodded. "Mariana doesn't go to your school, so you're not able to talk to her throughout the day, but Jesus is with you all the time. You can ask Him for help whenever you need it. And He wants to hear about all the ordinary things going on in your life too.""Cool!" said Sienna. "I never really thought of prayer as talking with a friend.""God is always available, but don't forget to also make a special time each day to talk with Him for a few minutes," said Dad. "He wants to hear all you have to say."–Anna Somers