How often do we consider the way we pray? Ever wonder if you're even doing it right?? When, where, how often, with reverence or more like we're talking with an old friend? Not to mention posturing... hands folded, hands lifted, eyes closed, eyes up? So much to contemplate. But are these choices making a difference? I know my personal choices vary with my circumstances, and what I feel is the gravity of the prayer I am bringing. The happy and rejoicing prayers usually involve hands lifted high, but when I am bringing someone else's needs or I am in a place of hardship and sorrow... hands folded and eyes closed feels like the right approach.
Looking at all of it, I honestly believe He knows your heart no matter how you approach Him, it's the fact that you are drawing near and have the belief that He hears and acknowledges every single time. When we humble ourselves before Him, it's not a sign of weakness...more a sign of worship, it's a sign of trust that we know He sees what's going on in our lives and will be faithful to provide.
Our human nature and instant gratification world tend to make us very impatient sometimes... but His ways are so much higher and I've grown and certainly learned that His timeline and answers don't always line up with the way I had invisioned things. Acceptance and surrender to His will is a daily practice, not a "one and done" for sure!
How many times do we lift up a prayer or desire (once or twice) and if it doesn't happen we think to ourselves, or others tell us "It must not be God's will". We have to remember that "yes", "no" and "not right now" are all answers!
I think about Elijah praying for the promised rain:
He prayed with expectancy that God would answer. When there was no sign of rain, he sent his servant back...
"Go back and look again".
"Go back and look again".
Seven times he told him to go back, keep checking, keep looking. Do we pray and believe that way? Going back to Him and earnestly bringing our hearts and belief? Fervent prayer with expectation? Let us not forget the other times Elijah prayed boldly, not messing around with small requests, and God answered...drought, raising a widow's son, calling down fire.
We also need to remember that although repetition can be important, our motive matters to Him.
If you really think about it, the power of prayer that has been given to us is mind-blowing! We have been given a share in His authority to come boldly to the throne . Prayer is a powerful thing, it can be your place of refuge and it can also be your battlefield to fight against the darkness that may be seeking to destory His light in your life.
We, as sons and daughters, have a greater role in this relationship than we sometimes think. "In Jesus name" is not to be taken lightly...It enforces in His authority the power of what we have prayed... like the drop of a judge's gavel!
And if you think "Amen" is just a sweet little way to sign off... it is actually an ancient Hebrew word that translates to "Let this be done!". Remember that next time and understand the power of the word.
Bring your praise and thanksgiving each and everytime. One of the most difficult things I've ever done is to bring thanks in the midst of tragedy. But, again, He knows your heart. I had to learn how to invite him into my tears and heartache to allow love, comforting and healing to take place...these are the things I can lift thanks for.
He is always there catching the tears as they fall.
Always be aware, the enemy will rush in and try to make you feel betrayed when things don't line up or you feel unheard...this is never the truth.
Turn your eyes from the strain, the wreckage, the doubts and disappointments and fix your eyes on the resources of a living God.
So...adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, which ever form your prayers take on any given day... LIft them up with expectancy!
- Look to Him, not the waves.
Wow, wow and wow! Love your thoughts, words and heart!