Take The Time!

There was an advertisement placed in a student newspaper at a university which simply read, "Sweet, little old lady wishes to correspond with six-foot student with brown eyes answering to initials J. D. B." It was signed, "His Mother." People like to hear from those they love. While I was in college, I remember once receiving a letter from my mother that contained a form to fill out and return in an already addressed and stamped envelope. The form was a check list of questions relating to how I was doing and then there was room at the bottom to add whatever else I wanted to let her know. You see, I had not written in a while, therefore she made the response easy for me. I believe the letter was also intended to make a point; to write home more frequently.

Today with texting, e-mail, and instant messaging, keeping in touch has never been easier. Still, the problem of a lack of communication still exists. Is the same true with regard to corresponding with our Heavenly Father? Remembering that prayer can be offered anytime and anywhere, why should we neglect talking to the One Who loves us dearly?

When Jesus taught regarding prayer in His sermon on the mount (even providing a model for prayer), three times within three verses He used the same expression. We read. . .

"(5) And WHEN YOU PRAY, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (6) But WHEN YOU PRAY, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (7) And WHEN YOU PRAY, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words." ( Matthew 6:5-7 ESV)

Jesus said, "WHEN YOU PRAY." It was not "if", but "WHEN", with a focus on considering the attitude in prayer. The assumption was that prayer would take place. Is that assuming too much with regard to us? It is true God knows what we need even before we ask ( Matthew 6:8), but He wants us to communicate with Him as we nurture a heart of prayer that is naturally born out of a right relationship with Him. Communicating with God keeps us mindful of Him and the need to retain our life connection with Him. It is not mindless chatter, but we talk with God because of the loving relationship that exists. May the time in prayer reflect the genuineness of that relationship. Our correspondence with God will be relative to the recognition of the investment in the relationship; both His and ours!

Have a great day OF CLOSE CONVERSATION WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!
Carl

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