When I have been surrounded by toys and kids in Toys R Us, captivated by warm summer breezes on a crowded beach, or cheering wildly at a ballgame, I listened only for the “Mom!” that belonged to my child. God is the same way. Prayer is the privilege of the child of God. Do you know the freedom of that privilege? God is the Father who is never too busy, never preoccupied, and never far away. Do you know the security of that privilege? His response is always one of love whether I bring to Him my joys, my praises, my questions, my frustrations, or my failures. He will not intimidate, turn a cold shoulder, think a need insignificant, or a sin too big. Are you beginning to know the God who listens to your prayers? He knows you intimately. Prayer reveals the faithfulness and dependability of God, His purposes, His wisdom, His presence, ... His love. Prayer is a lifestyle - a lifestyle of relationship.
God simply says, “Call.” His promise is that He will answer. A song that belongs to children reminds older believers as well how God answers. Sometimes He answers, “Yes;” sometimes, “No,” and sometimes He says, “Wait.” Sometimes such simplicity still doesn’t appear to describe His answers, but whether our prayers seem to bring silence or overt activity, we can be assured that God is working.
As you begin to pray, Scripture can help you turn your heart and your thoughts toward your Father God. Psalm 145 is one of many psalms that give praise to God for His goodness -- His goodness as expressed by both His character and nature, and by His works. His character and nature reveal the essence of the Person behind the works. This is my God. This is my Father. When you pray, thank God for who He is. Let Him bring to remembrance some of the things He has done for you personally, and again say, “Thank You!” Enjoy this opportunity to simply speak the words, “Father, I love You.”
Strong relationships are built on openness and vulnerability. Too often in times of personal crisis, the walls go up in our relationship with God. The reasons are varied, but what is forgotten is the freedom and the security of relating to our Father. God longs to give to His child. He longs to love you, to care for you. He wants to be counted on. You are His child. Delight yourself in the presence of your Father. Bring to Him the needs of others and your own needs. Open your heart in total abandonment. His heart is open to you. Remember who He is -- and just talk to him.
– Bev
(Related Bible reading: Psalm 145:1-21)
