Wherever I worked, I always had one rule. I let the business have the others. Seemed fair at the time. It was simple, take a message if I am busy, except for my wife and kids. Put them through-they have priority over everyone else. Even just a call to tell me they loved me, or to beg for more money, or to warn me what I would find out later when I got home, they always were allowed to get through. As it should be, for being part of a family should have its rewards. But it isn't always that way.
Suppose you have a friend, that every night before you go to bed, calls. And it is the same thing every night. For about 20 minutes they tell you how stupid their spouse is-hey they married you, maybe poor taste in spouses is their only flaw. Their job is worth more than they pay them-didn't they know what the salary was when they started? Or how they have certain needs that aren't being met. Important stuff sometimes, like the new motorcycle that just came out, and then time off to ride it. And then ask for advice, or help. And just as you begin to answer them, they tell you, "I'm tired," or "Batman is coming on," or "I'll call you tomorrow." And the only certain thing is they will-again. And you will answer-at least the phone.
Suppose you have another friend, case #2, where they talk for 20 minutes, then it is your turn. Time up, now they can talk again. And back and forth. And you wonder why are we talking like this? How can I get out of this? Sadly some people refer to this as conversation, when it isn't even communication. But even sadder this is how to describe most people's prayer life. Sound familiar? After complaining to God, then asking for help, they're done. They don't wait for an answer, and then go off wondering why their prayers go unanswered. And claiming God doesn't answer their prayers. If only they had listened. They have a monologue with God, but need a dialogue-where both speak, and both listen. You have obviously gotten through to God, He listens, but He expects the same of you, so He can guide you. But after you plead your case, you go back out the same as you came in. Worse only because you still have your problems, and didn't listen.
And since prayer is dialogue, listen for God. Let Him talk, then respond. Then listen again, just like you would in any civil conversation. Prayer is supposed to be interactive, not intra-active. God made the premise simple from two very obvious points. One-you can control your mouth, but not your hearing. Try not listening sometimes-it only gets worse. So listen, to God, then speak. You may find that He has been speaking to you longer than you think, Jesus advises those who have an ear, let them hear. You have two, what's your excuse? And two-God gave you two ears, but only one mouth, which can vary in size. So listen twice as much as you speak. Control your mouth, which you have the ability to do. You may be surprised what you hear. For you see, like my family, you always get through to God. But we don't always let Him into our conversation. We shut Him out of world. Which He just happened to create by the way.
So try this. Psalm 1 tells us about meditating with God. Not like Ohm-m-m, but think on the things of God. And you will find yourself thanking Him, and asking less questions, because you already have the answers. You will be guided, and therefore won't need an escape route, unless you take a detour from God, and then stupid will hurt-again. Also listen while reading the Bible, for God speaks through His Word. Don't understand, you will when you need too. So don't worry, and if you do, call Jesus. Read, pray, listen, repeat. Continuously. Get it?
Lastly, for prayer, like communication is very personal, and intimate, do it often. Not just when in an emergency. Or when you need or want something. Just as I always like to hear my from my sons, God loves to hear from you. And as you in your relationship with Him, you quit asking why. You begin to trust Him. Asking why can mean "I know better God, what were you thinking when you told me that?" Attitude is important, and trust will show through it. So trust Him, and get to know His voice.
And look forward to hearing it. For those who know it, know Him. And will get to listen to it for eternity. There are no unused minutes in heaven, and any plan that limits access to God on earth is a lie. So let God into your life. Ask, you will receive. But only, when you listen for his answer.
And look forward to hearing it. For those who know it, know Him. And will get to listen to it for eternity. There are no unused minutes in heaven, and any plan that limits access to God on earth is a lie. So let God into your life. Ask, you will receive. But only, when you listen for his answer.
And if He answers no? Simply put, a yes is coming-but with something much better than you asked for. He likes to give good gifts, so let Him. So, pick up your prayer line right now. He wants to hear from you-do you want to hear from Him? That's not a busy signal you're hearing, and He won't put you on hold. Just a direct line, so be still-and know that he is God!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com