Below is an article that is worth re-reading.
We first published it in April of this year. Please take time to read through and ponder on the Word of God.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:11-12 (NIV)
Prayer is the way to put a voice in our hearts and words to meet our needs. So, why do we often communicate with God about our heart’s desire differently from how we speak with the world? God created us with the unique ability to touch, smell, see, hear and taste the world around us while engaging emotions such as happiness, fear, and anger. We use these blessings daily as we interact with the planet, yet often, when we speak with God, we muffle or hide them, put on a prayer visage, use a prayer voice and expect God to speak truth into our lives while approaching Him in disguise. Because some pray differently from how they say, they will toil in their attempts to talk to God with the characteristics, personality and baggage that defines them.
We enter into prayer knowing that we are privileged to be granted an audience with the King of the universe. We should not confuse that privilege as a right and speak to our Father as if He needs to react to our problems because we boldly asked Him. We must recognize who is the recipient of our prayer and fear His power while at the same time remembering He wants to tell us His will so that we can live a life pleasing to Him. He wants us to tell Him what is on our hearts so He can share what is on His.
Many struggle with prayer. We want to differentiate between coincidence and divine intervention. But, if we are not in the habit of talking to God, we certainly will not be able to recognize His response. Some treat prayer as one way of communication, where they do all the talking and leave no place for listening. We have concerns that break our hearts and want to tell God as best as we can. However, sometimes we feel abandoned when we can’t sense an answer. Prayer requires that we practice speaking and listening, but above all, it requires faith in the truth God answers prayers.
Prayer requires remaining faithful to the practice. When we commit ourselves to becoming followers of Christ, we are told we will be transformed into a new creature who can be holy and pleasing to God. For some, this change can be instantaneous, while others are changed over time. Only God knows why it happens either way. Prayer has a similar behaviour in that answers can be instantaneous and obvious at times or are found by searching scripture, seeking counsel, or continually praying and listening. Regardless of the response time, we must be faithful to the idea that God wants us to speak with Him. He chooses to answer us, and we must seek to recognize His reponse so we can rightfully give our Lord His honour and praise.