Many writers focus on the heart during February. Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated in the USA on February 14th by sending flowers, candy or greeting cards to friends and loved ones. Our friends in Finland celebrate Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's Day". Other European countries celebrate the holiday in similar traditions with its origin in the United Kingdom. As health professionals, we often use this February backdrop to focus on heart health and offer heart health screenings and education.

Can heart health be likened to prayer life? For most of us, our hearts quietly beat at least 60 times per minute starting at birth and continuing throughout life. When everything is going well, we seldom are aware of the beating of our heart. During the early days of my recovery from cardiac surgery, my heart beat loudly and at times the sound even interrupting my sleep. Is this how it is with us and God? Are we mainly aware of His presence in a crisis? He wants us to turn to him for comfort and peace at these times. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Are our prayers mainly requests? To aid my daily prayer life, I find the acronym A.C.T.S. helpful. It has nothing to do with the Bible chapter of Acts but is based on the pattern of the Psalmists. It is a simple way to remember the 4 key elements of prayer.

 Adoration

 Confession

 Thanksgiving

 Supplication

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Carol Broemmer, RN, MA

362 Arbor Glen Drive

Camdenton, MO 65020

Telephone 573-873-2089

cbroemmer@charter.net