Be still & listen

Pray continually….  -1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
 
I have always read that verse with an understanding that it was not to be taken literally. But maybe Paul meant it a little more literally than I ever considered. The last couple weeks my foxhole has been examining the form and function of prayer, especially in relation to the quality of our own prayer lives. My writing will not do justice to the conversation, but I’ll hit some highlights here and follow-up next week.
 
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God….”  -Psalm 46:10a (NIV)
 
Effective prayer takes more time and attention than we often give it. We should never lose the aspect of asking our Father for things of personal benefit for ourselves and others, but we should not limit our prayer life to that. If my only interaction with my wife was to get up each morning and rattle off the items I expected her to accomplish for me today, she would not see that as a conversation, nor would it contribute to a healthy relationship. Prayer is more than presenting my “to-do” list to God. Our Creator wants to spend time with us. Will we make time for Him?
 
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  -Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV)
 
David was described as “a man after God’s own heart” (1Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). We understand that to mean that David followed God. Though far from perfect, he loved and honored God. His ability to exercise restraint and forgiveness demonstrated that when he was dialed in, he patterned his behavior after the priorities of God. That was true because David was “after” God's own heart – he pursued the heart of God. Elijah did that as well, and found God in places and ways he did not expect…
 
After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper…. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” -1 Kings 19:12, 13b (NIV)
 
Prayer is an opportunity to find the heart of God. Seek His face, not His hand. Be willing to ask…
         God, what is YOUR priority?
         God, what is breaking YOUR heart?
 
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  -Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
 
That’s enough for now. Next week, I’ll have some practical suggestions that may be helpful in pumping up our prayer life. In the meantime, let's practice being still and listening. Blessings y’all!

P.S. The picture included this week is courtesy of two members of my foxhole. Tony is in the canoe, which he built himself. Bob is the photographer. The scene is early morning on Table Rock Lake in Missouri.