It's easy for prayer to become somewhat of a habit--a one-sided conversation during which we sometimes forget Who it is we're talking to. We forget that the power of prayer is not in prayer itself, but in the One we're praying to.
Solomon, known for his wisdom, wrote, "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few....Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2,7, NIV). If you were with us for Challenge 2006, you probably remember the awesome prayer testimonies and praying.
How often do you do that? If you're like most, the answer is probably rarely--if ever. Sometimes we're convicted of the need to listen and worship God more, to spend time in silence before Him, and so we try. And we find ourselves easily distracted, impatient, and very quickly either have proceeded to our list of prayer requests or quit praying altogether.
Why do we find it so difficult? Too often, I believe, we try to "force it." We sit in silence because it's something we think we're supposed to do. On the other hand, in those times like we experienced at Challenge 2006, when we've just been shown a glimpse of the absolute greatness, hugeness, and holiness of God, all we can do it stand in awe. What words could we possibly bring?
I'm convinced that what we need is not to learn the right things, but to see. The more we see of the awesomeness of God, the more the right actions--and the right way of praying--will follow. So as you spend time in prayer in the month, ask God to show you more of Him. Learn to listen and allow Him to do so. Be prepared to learn the sacredness of silence.
Prayer, after all, is not about getting God on board with our agenda. It's more like allowing ourselves to get on board with His. And we can only do that when we know how His heart beats...when we take the time to listen.
Seeking God with you,
Glenn Olson