05/18/2018
We recite a prayer before meals, and at bedtime, and we pray in church service as we recite the Lord’s Prayer, but for most Christians that is the extent of our regular conversation with God. Oh, we might say a prayer when in the midst of trouble, but that is a one-sided prayer and seldom a conversation, and all we really want to hear Him say is “Got it!” Am I describing your prayer life? If so then you are missing out on the greatest blessing of prayer.
“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
1 Chronicles 16:10-11 ESV
We read this verse in the Old Testament, and think we have covered this ground through rote prayer or recitation. I am in the habit of praying all through the day, and include one of those prayers in my devotional message each morning. I also pray on my way to work in my car and in that prayer I have a certain formula by which I reach out to God, and as I studied it this morning, I found that it follows the Lord’s Prayer almost exactly. This was unintentional, but nonetheless there it is. My car prayer is so dependably structured that it has almost become a recitation... and in it I pray for every member of my family by name, and for all those who read my devotional... you too.
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:16-18 ESV
My car prayer changes every day, but the structure remains the same. I am speaking with the Lord, but I am not seeking Him in this prayer. Is this where you are in your prayer life, praying for those around you for salvation, protection, provision, increased faith, healing, wisdom, and a number of other things? Well these prayers are important and necessary, and Paul goes on after the verses above to ask that he be included in such a prayer...
“and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:19-20 ESV
Yet in such prayers, even though we are doing the things of faith, and performing the duties of good men and women of faith, and children of God, by praying for those around us as loving family and neighbors should do, there is still a void... we need to fill it by praying in conversation with God about our own lives, and what He would have us do to be closer to Him. This is how we seek God.
Seeking God extends beyond worship and praise, and it isn’t listening to a sermon, or reciting corporate or other such formal prayers. It is time when we are having a heart to heart talk with God about our lives, and about our relationship. It is the kind of talk that married couples tend to have in bed at night when all of the kids are asleep, and the house is quiet. It is the dark bedroom of our faith where we can’t see each other, but we feel one another’s presence, their breath upon our skin, and hear their words coming to us out of the night. Conversations like this break down all barriers of sight and open us up to the freedom of unfettered expression. This is where hearts are spoken without fear, and responses are received without animosity. This is praying in secret with our eyes closed, and our arms outstretched.
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:12-13 ESV
How long has it been since you had a conversation like that? How long has it been since you turned out the lights of your religion, worship, praise, duty, and just talked heart to heart with God, and Jesus? How long has it been since you closed your eyes and opened your heart; I mean really opened your heart? Well, today would be a good day to begin those conversations anew. Are you ready for such an encounter with the divine; with God, with Jesus Christ?
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for hearing all of my prayers, the recitations, the everyday prayers I pray, the heartfelt yet stock prayers for my family, friends, and even my enemies. I thank you for hearing my Intercessory prayer for the healing , salvation, and many other needs of others, but Father I need to have that quiet time of prayer with you that is about you and me. I need to speak with you in the dark where the fear of my nakedness is taken away, and my heart is unfettered. I need to hear your voice, knowing that when you criticize me it is in absolute love and without any other motivation. I need to feel your breath upon my face, and your fingers in my hair as you comfort me. I need to speak my heart without fear of retribution, but with your understanding, and discussion. I need to be washed in the blood of Jesus, found free of blemish, and bask in the warmth of your love as we speak. Holy Father help me to seek you humbly, and to reach out to you without fear of having failed, or the anxiety of sin for which I haven’t repented. Let me come into your presence in sanctity, and comforted in the redemption of Christ. Then Gracious Father we can speak in the midst of your love, removed from the influences of a fallen world, and surrounded by your grace. In this place, with my eyes closed, and in the safety of the darkness I can open my heart to you, and hear you as you speak to me of your will. Here I can seek you, and you will speak to me in a soft voice, and lead me into a life of faith that is beyond my dreams. Holy, Holy, Holy are you my God, the treasure for which my heart longs.
“Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”
Psalms 51:6 ESV
Rich Forbes