COMMUNICATION IS KEY – Part II (But Not Always Priority)
In my last blog I addressed the subject of vital importance of proper and effective communication. My prospective in last week’s blog took an in depth look at our communication habits or the lack thereof. Today I would like to take a look at how we communicate with the one who matters most – our Lord and Savior.
Communication with the Lord can be summed up in one simple word – PRAYER. Although it may be a simple description of our communication with the Lord, too often we make it a complicated and even avoided principle in our lives. A couple of years ago I was teaching a Bible Study in London, England and I was amazed when the statement was made by someone and concurred by others that they were under the impression that the prayer in St. Matthew chapter 6, that we commonly refer to as The Lord’s Prayer, is really not a prayer that we can personally pray but rather it is an example or template. I must admit I was taken aback to hear that, but it just solidified yet another tactic the enemy uses as a deterrent for means of communication with the Lord.
I understand and am not critical at all of those who find it difficult to have a conversation with someone you have never seen or audibly heard. However, if we truly believe in and have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, then we must recognize that in Him we live, we move, and have our being. The fullness of the acknowledgement must be perpetuated in constant communication which affords us that privilege.
Having spent my entire life in “church”, I have probably heard more religious jargon than the law allows! (smile) “You can call Him in the morning, you can call Him in the middle of the night!” “Jesus is on the mainline, call Him up and tell Him what you want!”. “His line is never busy”! Every one of those statements stand true and have been proven time and time again in my case and possibly yours too. But the question arises, why is He sometimes the last one we go to when we need to talk, and why do we often look for our most needed answers from other sources. Unfortunately, “Christiandom” has made prayer look very complicated, and for some it interjects thoughts that true relationship with the Father is unattainable. I want to share a few scriptures that have helped me tremendously.
I Thessalonians 5: 17 – “Pray without ceasing . . .” This means that we should be in constant communication with God! Even if we are not in need of anything, we should be talking to God. He listens and He cares!
Philippians 4: 6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – There is no need for us to be anxious or worried about anything, but through prayer and giving God thanks FIRST we should give our requests to God.
St. Matthew 6: 6 – 7 – “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward the openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking”.
When we pray it’s not important nor is it anyone else’s business to hear our conversation with the Father. Whatever prayer and praise that is devoted to God when offered sincerely, God will reward openly. Genuineness is what God is looking for, there is no need to try to impress Him or anyone else.
St. Mark 11: 24 – “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
The key factor to praying is believing. Believing that God IS, and that He wants us to have those things that we desire. When we believe, we shall receive!
The answers to everything that could ever concern us lies in the power of our communication and relationship with the Father. Communication is key, let’s make it priority!
Source: First Lady Denise