As I am getting further along in my journey with faith, it’s becoming all about habit. Disciple in what I believe and what believing it means isn’t always easy, but what’s amazing is I don’t have to do it alone. Over spring break, I came across a sign in a boutique that simply read “Pray First.”

Even though it didn’t strike me at the time, it’s come to have such a deeper root in the way I handle almost every situation.

When we lose touch with God or face troubles and triumphs (big and small) without Him, it’s easy to feel unplugged from the source of love that brings us peace. I personally know that if I am entering a stressful situation or facing a fear, I can’t do it without talking to God about it first—this has been the secret to keeping my heart clear when life speeds up without a second to register what’s going on.

When we pray first, we invite God into the situation we are handling.

And with the hand that wrote it all on yourself, strength and love begin to flow through you. We shouldn’t reserve our conversations with God for moments of need only—talk to him when you wake up, shower, go for a drive, or even do something as simple as head to class.

Doing life day in and day out becomes nothing short of deeply joyful when you’re taking steps with God each second, becoming greater through Him. Patience, peace, love, and understanding—these are all the treasures our hearts hold when we are consciously aware of how we handle things and with who we handle them.

God wants to be a part of the moments big and small—by talking, asking, and listening to Him, stress falls away and trust in each steps grows in the knowledge that it can’t be wrong when done through true love.

So next time you’re anxious, scared, or frustrated—pray about it! Ask God for the strength you need to love yourself on a bad day. Or to forgive someone who hasn’t even apologized. Or even to turn your eyes towards love and away from fear.

And next time you’re blessed with an opportunity, a moment of bliss, or the grace of God in an endeavor—pray about it! When we pray first, we’ve got all the strength we need right behind us…and you’ll be surprised at the strength He provides.