ENCOUNTER THE GOD OF LOVE.KEEP PRAYING Pray without ceasing. (1 Thess. 5:17 kjv) Be constant in prayer. (Rom. 12:12 rsv) Pray in the Spirit at all times. (Eph. 6:18) Continue steadfastly in prayer. (Col. 4:2 rsv) In everything … let your requests be made known to God. (Phil. 4:6 nasb) How do you live in God’s presence? How do you detect his unseen hand on your shoulder and his inaudible voice in your ear? A sheep grows familiar with the voice of the shepherd. How can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here are a few ideas: Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face the Father. Before you step out of bed, step into his presence. Tell God“Thank you for a night’s rest. I belong to you today.” Here is how the psalmist began his day: “Every morning, I tell you what I need, and I wait for your answer” (Ps. 5:3) Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend time with him in silence. The mature married couple has learned the treasure of shared silence; they don’t need to fill the air with constant chatter. Just being together is sufficient. Try being silent with God. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10 niv). Awareness of God is a fruit of stillness before God. Dan Rather once asked Mother Teresa. “What do you say to God when you pray?” Mother Teresa answered quietly, “I listen.”Taken aback, Rather tried again, “Well, then, what does God say?”Mother Teresa smiled, “He listens.”6 Give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God. Thank him for the good parts. Question him about the hard parts. Seek his mercy. Seek his strength. And as you close your eyes, take assurance in the promise: “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Ps. 121:4 niv). If you fall asleep as you pray, don’t worry. What better place to doze off than in the arms of your Fathe ( Ps. Eric Ampadu)
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:10:10 +0000