“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Mom, I’m thinking about the military after high school.”

“Mom, all my friends have boyfriends. Do you think I’m too young?”

“Mom, I’m considering buying a real Apple watch.”

My kids are entering the teen years, which we all know is a critical new season. For the first time, they are facing grown-up size decisions. And, for the first time, I must allow them to (wince) to make them. I cherish that they come to me for counsel and direction. However, one of my primary responsibilities is to first point them back to Christ. As they process aloud with me, I have an all-important opportunity to train them up in the way they should go. My first response lately has been, “That sounds amazing, but did you pray about it?”

I desire that my children develop a rock-solid habit of praying about everything – first thing. I want them to pray as naturally as they breathe. My heart for them is that they don’t entertain the exercise of talking to themselves about what they’re tossing around in their heads but have ongoing communication with their Lord through prayer. That’s my desire for all of you today too. How much time do you spend “thinking out’ or “talking out” your dreams and decisions, worries, and wishes versus responding through prayer? The big, the small, the dire, and the trivial. Do you pray about it all?

Whatever you do today, start with prayer. Seek wisdom above words or worry. Pursue prayer above any point of view. And relentlessly chase hope and Holy Spirit, counsel. May you devote yourself to prayer today. Jesus is always your best sounding board.