Let’s be honest. Sometimes we forget to pray.

The pace of our lives can drown out that still small voice calling us to commune. For me, the call to prayer comes first thing in the morning. Sometimes before the first hint of light, my heart and my lips will utter:

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

We can become so convinced of our power and ability to navigate our world, juggle all the balls, win all the contests, that we forget to take a moment to rest in Him (Psalm 131), to take notice of His power over every detail of our lives. Even the sincerest believer can consistently neglect to cast their cares at the cross and instead opt for picking up the phone or posting on Instagram.

Don’t get me wrong; God can exist in a supportive friend and an inspiring social media post, but consider this: He mostly just wants to be with us. Specifically, He wants us to yearn to be with Him.

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways…” (Proverbs 23:26)

This verse continues with a warning about the types of company we keep that can lead us astray. The takeaway may be this simple: God wants our heart, but He shouldn’t have to compete for it. He wants us to make a choice, to willingly give it so that He might protect it, nurture it, and develop it.

Prayer is the venue for that exchange. Prayer is the dance floor for worship. Prayer is the room where we can recalibrate, check in, and recharge. Whether in the morning or at night, at work or home, in the bathtub or the ballpark, we must remember to let our lips—if only for a few seconds— express our hearts.

“I will say to the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:2)