If there's two things I find essential to life in college, it is the following: prayer and wine. But do not, I repeat, do not, think I would ever separate these two loves of mine. You see, for Meg Lewis, wine and prayer work hand in hand.

If you're Catholic, Baptist, Christian, Agnostic, whatever, read on. More importantly, if you're a wino, read on.

Anyone that has stepped foot into my roommate's and my home cannot help but notice two important details: statues and drawings of Mary and Jesus and our 50-bottle wine collection on display in the kitchen.

It's sweet living with women that love the Lord so much and enjoy showing him all over the house, but I give those girls zero credit for the latter ... because all that wine has been emptied by yours truly. #noshame #okmaybeihadhelp

But really, no shame. Wine is my time. It's my time to unwind and rest. At night when I come home, I grab a glass, do homework, play some guitar, chat with my girls, watch "The Office," etc. No matter what I'm about to do, it means I'm about to rest.

With that being said, I like to pour my glass of cab (cabernet, for you non-winos) while I'm worshipping the Lord and reading his Word.

What? Wine and prayer? That's a thing?

The answer: Yes. Resting with the Lord, wine or no wine, is a thing, my friends. Scripture says,

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matt 11:28-29 NASB).

You see, he specifically says to come to Him and let Him give you rest. Not work. Rest. Let me explain.

There was a time in my life I honestly thought what the Lord really meant was, "Come to me, work your ass off, I will give you what you want." Eh, not quite Meg.

Years ago, I believed prayer was tough, difficult work that required sweat and tears. Literally ... I would kneel in a chapel with a rosary for about 15 minutes and sweat like Lebron after double overtime.

But that is not rest. That is forced, obsessive work. That is not what the Lord asks from me. He asks me to come to Him, as I am, and rest. So how do we do this?

Here's two things that may help you stop working at prayer and start resting.

1. Pick How You Rest

For me, I pour my glass of wine, tune my guitar, grab my Bible and journal and boom, it's prayer time. Perfection, right? (shout out to my winos). Or you might be saying, "Um, Meg, I don't play an instrument to save my life, and I hate wine with a burning passion."

Great response, some of my closest friends would agree with you. My boyfriend, for example. At the beach, he poured a glass of whiskey, grabbed his rosary and journal and walked the beach for an hour (yes, he's as dreamy as he sounds).

My best friend, on the other hand has to sit in total silence for an hour in an chapel with nothing but her Bible and a pen.

But my roommate on the other hand, gets up in the morning, makes a cup of coffee and sits with her Bible in her room with worship music in the background.

Guess what? These are all right ways to pray. Not because they include a beverage or pens. But because they are conducive to conversation with the Lord. These method enhance my friends' connection and attention to Christ in silent or vocal prayer. Doesn't matter how it's done. Just show up, rest how you rest, and watch what He can do.

2. Be Alone

Be alone with the Lord! Time with Jesus needs to be time with Jesus. Go somewhere you want to pray and are free from the company of others who might lead you out of conversation with Christ.

Go to an Adoration Chapel, go in your room, sit in your backyard, walk the lakes. People can be around. No worries. Just no one that would lead you to distraction.

If you do go somewhere to pray with a good friend or significant other, give each other physical space to pray and speak to their Beloved. You'll avoid staring at your cutie or leaving to chat with bestie. Give Him that alone time and see what He can do.

So, that's it. An easy one and two steps to prayer. This method is not my own though. It's based on the word of God. Shocker, right? In his Gospel, Mark writes:

He (Jesus) said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." (Mark 6:31 NASB)

Rest and be alone with Christ. He will do the silent work. Wait, listen and see what He can do.