Last month I met a man for lunch whom I have known, but never gotten together with. While talking over burgers, he told me about a book he was reading to increase his prayer life. So I asked, "what book did you read so you could talk to me?" The puzzled look that followed confirmed the answer that he hadn't read one, and didn't need to. Didn't even think he might need one. Maybe even made him think, maybe I should have. So I asked, "then why do you need one to tell you how to talk to God?" You see, as personal as God wants to be with us, we fall back into worldly ways, or incorrect teachings from the pulpit, or legalistic advice that keeps us from God, and miss blessings from not allowing God to make it more personal and intimate. Are we so far from God we must take classes on how to talk to Him?
Imagine if you would, a person who calls every night at the same time. He goes on to tell you all his problems, whining and complaining, and then asks for your advice. As you get ready to answer him, he has to go-his favorite show is on, he has to get up early, etc... And hangs up before you can answer. And the process is repeated night after night. Sadly this resembles most peoples prayer life. Complaining to God, then asking for help, but NOT waiting for the answer. And then they wonder why God never answers their prayer.
Prayer has been defined as communication between God and man. I can go with that, but to many it is a monologue, they speak. God is supposed to listen, and it ends there. But true prayer is a dialogue, a two way conversation. One talks, the other listens. Then he responds, and the other listens. Spontaneous, not in five minute increments. I have heard pastors say talk to God for a few minutes, then listen. For five minutes. Would you talk to a friend that way? Then why do you talk to God like that? "OK God, five minutes is up, your turn."
So it is apparent that good listening may be at least as important as good speaking. And God is always telling us something via His spirit-are you listening? A simple fact check tells us we have two ears, but only one mouth. Should we listen twice as much? Is twice as much enough? Also you can control your mouth, but not your ears. Maybe, just maybe is God trying to tell you something?
Two years ago on the National Day of Prayer I met with others at the fountain at Escondido City Hall. We broke into groups, and were given a booklet of things to pray about. They asked me to lead a group, and when we got together we prayed differently than the others. We listened. For answers from God. As I explained that God already knows what we need, our situations, and our desires, it is us who need to wait on Him. To listen. So as we sat there quietly, you could tell by the few words spoken that our hearing was working. God was talking to us, better yet with us. We were having a personal dialogue with the Creator of the universe. And we all were blessed. And while others were still asking, we were receiving! We were listening to God! If it works in a crowd, imagine how it can work when alone!
God, please talk to us today. Give us ears to hear, just like Jesus said to the seven churches in Revelation. Help us to be more like you-patient, kind, and loving. Help us to desire that still, small voice that calls out to us. And while others ask, thank you for allowing us to receive.
Get to know God better by listening. Imagine how special you are to God that He would want to spend time with you. That's love. So listen. Just think, if it works with a loving God, what it can mean to others while listening to them? You may be able to minister to them more effectively. Why are you so sure God hears you when you don't listen for Him?Life isn't like Jeopardy, we don't have the answers, we have questions that need answers. Those that walk with God, and listen to Him in the Spirit, shall have the answers. The right answers.
Till the day you die, your hearing will be the last to go. God has so much to share with you, would you please shut up and listen? Might even change your phone habits at night. The line to God has no caller ID, He knows your name and voice. When praying, is your voice the only one you hear? True blessings come when you listen, know and recognize His.
love with compassion,
Mike
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