A Little Prayer Goes a Long Way

Kimberly Novak shares a moment of divine inspiration hidden within a routine chore.

There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you. (Beatrix Potter)

That is a beautiful statement from a renowned children's author; however, it has been my experience that the first words of a story in the initial stages often get deleted repeatedly until the big inspiring moment happens. Some writers rely on a muse or brainstorming until time sparks a bright idea. I have experimented with those and other ways to stimulate my writer’s soul, perhaps, though the best and most meaningful method is through the nudging of the Holy Spirit.

This type of motivation often happens during formal prayer, and these times are full of wisdom and excitement. During those encounters, I quickly reach for my journal and highlight what I know is direct communication from God. I have always felt a closeness to God through the Holy Spirit in my daily life. Knowing that God has sent His advocate to be at my side day and night brings a sense of responsibility to my relationship with Him.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26 ESV)

The Holy Spirit has become many things to me, a friend, a companion on my spiritual path, and most recently, a helpful homemaker. I never imagined receiving fruitful insight from heaven while doing chores around the house. Lately, God and I have become partners in housework, and I have been astounded by the benefits. In a moment of haste, while making the bed, I mentioned out loud that I needed assistance from the Holy Spirit with planning a vacation. It’s good that no one else was around, because that conversation evolved into a lovely payer moment while straightening the pillow shams. A road trip was not an urgent need or even something I had to have. Yet it opened a spontaneous line of communication with my spiritual advocate.

I am usually not surprised when the Holy Spirit responds to my musings; however, I was not expecting a result as quickly as I received. Within moments of completing that household chore, I knew the exact place for our vacation. I was overjoyed knowing that the unexpected revelation was God-sent, and I knew this because of the joy and peace it brought to my heart.

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Only a day or two after that wonderful prayer moment, I decided to go for it again. I had been laboring over creative inspiration for longer than usual, and when I combined the task and prayerful conversation, the Holy Spirit came through! Only seconds after my plea, I received exactly what I needed to achieve the level of creativity required.

These instances have shown me that a little prayer goes a long way. Whether it be formal prayer or a request made hastily, God listens. Sometimes prayers are answered in ways we hope for, and other times God answers them in ways we cannot understand. God has gifted us with the Holy Spirit as a counselor who listens and guides us on God's intended path. Like any friend, the Holy Spirit wants to be involved in all facets of our lives, even in its simpleness.

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I never imagined receiving fruitful insight from heaven while doing chores around the house. #catholicmom

I am excited that God has taken the humdrum out of that particular chore for me, and now each new day offers excitement in that simple task. I go about my days now, wondering where inspiration from the Holy Spirit will strike next. Perhaps it will be on that heaven-sent vacation or in a chance encounter yet to come. In any event, I thank God in advance for the blessing it brings.

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