04/22/2018
It is one thing to know what a life of prayer is, but something altogether different to actually live one. Being called to prayer and answering that call are two entirely separate things. Every Christian receives the call to prayer, but so many cripple themselves by either refusing that call, or not knowing how to answer it. Are you fully engaged in a life of prayer, or limping into it without understanding what it actually is, or involves?
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 ESV
Prayer is so much more than just delivering a wish list to God, it is the complete conversation of relationship, the kind of verbal, and non-verbal interaction you have with those you care deeply for. It contains such things as praise, encouragement, soft words of love, saying you are sorry, and our request for God’s forgiveness... it is discussion, contrition, ultimatums, concession, confession, and it is worship, adoration, and a communication so deep that it can only be delivered in grunts, moans, and perhaps laughter or joyous shouts... it is even quick glances towards heaven, raised eyebrows, facial expressions, and the rolling of eyes. Despite the length of this list, it only scratches the surface of what comprises prayer. Prayer is all day long and every communication we have with our God, and Jesus Christ, from the bold and loud, to whispers and subtle sighs; it is the foundation of our family relationship with God the Father, and consanguinity with Adam, and Jesus.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 ESV
I used to look at the scripture which tells us to pray without ceasing and think “that just isn’t possible”, but once I realized the height and breadth of what comprised prayer, I suddenly reached the understanding that I was almost there. This is our call to prayer, and it is a call to constant interaction... constant relationship With God in Jesus Christ.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
So no, prayer is not just a checklist of our wants, even though they are most certainly included. Prayer, through our focus on the divine, on God, Jesus, and our life of faith, becomes every breath we take, and is comprised of every aspect of our lives as the children of God. Don’t limit your prayers, or shy away from your participation in the divine conversation because you are reluctant to ask, or tell the Lord something... see the totality of prayer, and open up your intimate life and relationship with the Father by experiencing how robust it is... and how complete it makes your life of faith. Listen in prayer to the wisdom of God, and discover what awaits for you there.
“"Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
Jeremiah 33:2-3 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for my prayer life, or more appropriately... my life of prayer. I thank you for the constant nature of our relationship and the ongoing conversation we have that facilitates it. I hear your voice in my darkest hours, and in the midst of my greatest joy. You are the beat of my heart and the blood in my veins; you are my most vivid thought, and secret dream... you encompass me in my entirety, and know my depths, even as I pray. I acknowledge your presence in my most personal of thoughts, I confess to you the darkness of my self, and rejoice with you in the praise and joy of my brightest moments of faith. There is not a part of me that is hidden from you Holy Father, and my prayer reveals to me this most uncomfortable truth, and yet sings of the fullness of your grace. You are Gracious and Merciful always, and my prayers reveal our bond. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God, and my companion in prayer. I believe in our constant prayer, not because I understand it, but that I might understand you better in it. Praised be your name, now and forever more.
Rich Forbes