by sue a allen
You’ve probably heard it said before, “Prayer changes things.” And yet, in a social marketing, text-crazed, fast paced, in-touch yet oddly out-of-touch world…we forget to talk to God.
Due to the advances in technology, we talk to more people than ever before. We stay in touch with childhood friends, teachers, family members, professors, strangers, and people …if we are downright honest…that we don’t even want to talk to.
However, more than ever before, people feel alone
We can be surrounded by people all day long and be in constant communication and yet, experience a deep, pervasive feeling of loneliness. Why? Because each and every one of us have heartfelt needs. And at some point in life, you will wake up to the realization that this world doesn’t completely satisfy.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Unfortunately, more often than not, we try to stuff this aching in our soul with the things of this world. We doubt that God truly is everything that we need.
Everything.
All.
Completely.
Whole.
Every piece of and part of.
Even the nooks and crannies.
Do we believe down in the core of our being that God can fill up our everything? Do we trust that He can satisfy? Or do we find a substitute that is more tangible…that we can touch and feel with our very own two eyes?
We are reminded in Psalm 145:18 to call upon the Lord “in truth,” with earnest desire and sincerity of heart. To approach our Heavenly Father with open palms and an attitude of surrender. To fervently trust and believe that what He says will be done.
Prayer is not simply asking for things that I want. Yes, it is a time to make our petitions known…but it means much more than that. It’s not meant to be a “God To Do” list and telling Him what to do and how to go about it. He doesn’t need our help. Prayer is about being. Being present for God to speak. Being willing to be His hands and feet. Being available to do whatever it is He asks.
Prayer is to the Christian what breath is to life, yet no duty of the Christian is so neglected. -R.C. Sproul
Maybe the place to begin today is to ask God to renew our hearts. Prayer is both a privilege and a duty. Maybe we’ve slipped into an unhealthy pattern in regards to prayer….and possibly even taken God for granted. Prayer is unnatural for all of us. It takes us out of our comfort zone. It can be challenging to commune with someone we cannot see or touch. The effect of the Fall has left us feeling indifferent, lazy, and uninspired. But listen up…this is sin creeping in, whispering in our ears that “Prayer is no big deal.”
Prayer DOES matter.
Prayer CHANGES things.
Prayer RENEWS your strength.
Prayer builds INTIMACY with God.
I’m in the fight with you, my friend. The Christian walk is not always easy. Let’s not be faint in heart. Let’s keep on keeping on. Please let me know how I can be praying for you. Tell me how you make prayer a part of your life.
I couldn’t agree more with that quote from R.C. Sproul. I was thinking about something like that the other day. I had free time on my hands. But instead of going into prayer (which I felt I wanted to do), I chose to do other things. I’ve certainly been convicted to spend more time in the presence of God. I know I need it.
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