"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." Hymn lyrics by Joseph M. Scriven (1820-1886).
From the beginning, God was close to mankind. He did not only shape man and breathe into man, but He actively talked to man on a regular basis. When man sinned in the garden of Eden, God came looking for man, calling out to re-establish the connection that was so precious to God. God wanted to talk about what went wrong and how they could go forward in the best possible way. God wanted to fix what broke their fellowship, and took the initiative to seek out man to bridge the gap caused by disobedience.
To this day, God wants to be in conversation with you, His most precious creation. Prayer is many things, but first, it is a heartfelt and honest conversation between you and God about what matters in your life. You live in a world with limitations and you have unique needs as you travel through your life. God cares about your life and He is waiting on you to open up the channels of communication. Jesus makes it clear that God is waiting for you to start talking, without hesitation, about what you need from Him:
"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?" Matthew 7:7-11 (The Message Bible).
Our scripture of the day makes it clear: Ask for what you need! Would you just try it today, maybe even right now? Talking to God is just like talking to your best friend ... only better. But what kind of friend will never respond to your words? True conversation is a two-way street.
"A man prayed, and at first he thought that prayer was talking. But he became more and more quiet until, in the end, he realized that prayer is listening." Soren Kierkegaard
God is willing and able to help you. Just start talking to God about your fears, your needs, and your dreams. He is politely and patiently waiting for you.
Will you take the first step? Then, are you willing to wait for His response ... the quiet whispers of His loving voice?
Prayer is simply talking and listening to God.
Action Step:
- What is the biggest challenge you face right now?
- What are you most concerned about?
- Write it down somewhere.
- Take a few minutes to talk to God about this challenge and ask for His help in a specific way. Imagine asking Him like a little kid asking an adult for assistance with a difficult task. You will be so glad you did!
Review:
1. Prayer Is Simply Talking And Listening To God.
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