Who can forget the immortal line from Cool Hand Luke, “what we have here is
a failure to communicate,” and maybe truer words were never spoken. Or to be
more precise, converse, thanks to the curse of texting people don’t talk
anymore. We have sound bites on the news, and anyone and everyone may be
recording you, which I can guarantee will be turned around and used against
you. And it has even invaded prayer time over the years, both personal and
public. If you sound holier than thou you must have some special connection to
God, or if you have a title or are in ministry. I have known people over the
years who follow a person because they got healed when they prayed, thinking
there is power in prayer, and in this one man’s prayer in particular. We even
have prayer warriors, and people who line up for prayer after services with the
pastor. Recently I was reminded that when I had open heart surgery “half the
people around the world were praying for you” and to them I say thanks. But in
a different way...let me explain.
Some believe the more who are praying, the more God listens, and somehow it
jaundices his answers, and the speed of them. Like one more and he will
answer. Many pray asking, but never stop to wait for God’s answer, and I ask,
“so why even ask if you don’t want to hear the answer?” Many times God does
answer, we just don’t like the answer, or it is not what we expected. More
prayer, as if maybe God didn’t understand...But sadly a familiar scenario is
like this. Every night just before going to bed, the phone rings. It is always
the same person, who tells you how he hates his job, has no money, his kids are
out of control, and his wife and him are on the outs. He asks you for help, but
when you go to answer, he says “gotta go, can’t talk now.” Which is a fair
representation of their prayer life, which represents their relation with God.
Sound familiar?
Some think prayer is only communication, or even a monologue. It is a
dialogue, with the God of the universe. Try this next time you are on the
phone. You talk 5 minutes, then it is the other person’s turn. Then yours
again. Communication, but not conversation. True conversation is alive, and
listens as much as it talks. Still caught up making excuses, try this one.
Jesus says where ever two or three are gathered in my name, I am among them.
Since the person of the holy spirit is in you upon salvation, you are never
alone, and have the perfect prayer partner. And be real brave, let the spirit
start your conversation, who knows better your needs, and then you speak. Still
lost for words, you can always thank him! Did you ever consider just shutting
up and listening the next time you call him Lord?
But prayer took on another dimension for me when I was sick. I knew God
had it all in control, the spirit was giving me peace. And I was glad so many
cared about me, love is a reassuring thing in the midst of turmoil. But so many
would say “I prayed for you,” implying their specific request made the
difference in God’s answer. Theresa had been reminded by a hospital chaplain of
Isaiah 65:24, God is already answering before you ask. So I asked him why was
it important that others pray, and I pray for others? His answer was so simple,
and so amazing all a once. “So that when I did my miracle in you, people could
see my hand at work, and would worship me.”
the answer was the most important part of the request. And all the time,
and every time, it is always about Jesus. And when he gets the glory, you get
the blessings. You see there is no power in prayer, but there is power in he
who hears and answers. So why not get on a first name basis with him, get his
daily updates and praise him even more? No more communication breakdown, spend
time with the Lord, who reminds us “why do you call me Lord if you don’t do what
I ask?” Can you hear him now?
Psalm 1 tells us blessed is the man who delights in the Lord. Who spends
time with him, and thinks on him. Do we? Think, who was Jesus thinking of when
he was on the cross? The worst scenario in history? He was still calling out
to his father, for us. His eyes were not on himself, but on the one who could
save. And did and does. At your next Bible study or prayer meeting, suggest
silence, and listen for the spirit to start the prayer. Scripture doesn’t say
he who has a mouth let him speak, it does say “he who has an ear let him hear.”
And did you know you can control your mouth, but not your hearing? Are we onto
something here? And hearing is the last sense we lose before death, the spirit
ministering until heaven, and then in heaven. Praying more and getting less?
Ask God, then listen. Two ears, one mouth. One will. So I ask you to pray for
me, that I may hear more of the spirit, get closer to God, and see more Jesus in
my life. For others to see. Maybe the St. Francis of Assissi prayer is a good
reminder. Preach the word daily, adding words when needed. God will direct
your paths, but will you follow? Only if you hear what the spirit is
saying...and all you have to say is “Amen.” The spirit, whenever and wherever
two or more are gathered...you are never alone, and you have the perfect prayer
partner. Take a few minutes right now to listen.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com