From my time as a child unto the moment she went to be with the Lord I have been impressed with my Mother’s prayer life. She didn’t just pray, she knew how to communicate. She didn’t just ask God for stuff, she knew how to rely on God. It seems like she understood and valued the “personal” in personal relationship with Jesus Christ her Savior. With all the struggles she encountered raising us four children on her own; she did some powerful teaching with her life. Through her prayer life I learned some great lessons that I have tried to keep portable – something that I could take with me. Although there were many wonderful lessons, let me share three for now:
First, there are three persons in the Godhead, treat them like persons…
Matthew 28:19 gives us what is known as the great commission, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Three persons but just one God. God gave us personalities and desired to have this wonderful relationship with us. Although I have a profound respect and humility regarding the holiness of God, that respect does not keep me at a distance.
He is the one that began the relationship by His sacrifice at Calvary. I responded to salvation, but that’s only part of it. I want to know Him and that starts with a belief that He, God, is knowable. So I treat God as God but also as a person that I can be personable with and share those things that are on my heart. How I feel, the things that trouble me, the things I need and also the things I find amazing, beautiful and fascinating.
Second, keep it a two way conversation, read the Bible first and last…
People seem to grasp the idea that praying is talking to God. Although for most there seems to be more asking for stuff than genuine communication going on. Stop and think about this for a moment, if someone you loved, you might even say “so loved” only came to you when they wanted something, how would you feel? What if when they came to you they did open up about what was on their heart or things going on in their life, but monopolized the conversation never gave you a chance to speak. How would you feel?
When we limit our conversation with God to a one way conversation – only we do the talking, we are losing out on fellowship and communication. Try this the next time you want to spend time with God, make it a two way conversation. First, remember the command, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heather, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10. Sometimes when we want to communicate with God we just have to stop and listen in earnest quietness. Yet most important, before we begin praying, read the Bible, when finish praying, read the Bible. Since the Bible is God’s Word, what better way to let Him speak than to read what He has to say – His Word?
Finally, follow up with God, don’t ask once and then forget it!
Spend time with God in whatever you are doing. Driving down the road? Talk with God, after all you have the time to yourself and besides, you may get a ticket for texting or calling on the cell phone, but I never heard of someone getting a ticket for praying.
Also, keep a prayer list. Pray about what you are taking to God and continue to pray until you have the answer. Then when the answer comes, write down how God answered. I have often observed that God rarely answers just like I asked – He almost always improves on the request. I get more than what I asked for. Not when I asked for it – but at the perfect moment.
One final thing about a prayer list with completed dates, when you are tired or feeling low, go to the list and read for encouragement. Few things feel as good as looking over a list of prayer requests and realizing how incredibly God has answered in your life and those around you. To realize the timing and wisdom of God in the people He brought into your life, moved out of your life and resources that came into play meet your need.
God is personal and wants to spend time with us – but He honors our free will. He will not monopolize the conversation, but how much better it is stop, be still and listen for God. Finally, it is exciting to be consistent in our requesting and talking with God, especially when we step back, realize what He has done and give Him the praise!
Copyright 2010 © Charles Lyons
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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