Jesus
said that when some people pray, they wrongly assume “that they will be heard
for their many words” (Matt. 6:7). Praying doesn’t get better because it’s
longer, just like sermons don’t get better because they’re longer. I’ve never
heard anyone say, “That sermon was so good because it was SO long!” And I don’t
think God says, “That prayer is so good because it’s so long! That person just
talks and talks and talks and never expects Me to say anything back!”
Years
ago when I worked for a Christian college in Georgia, I had an appointment with
a lady who lived in another city to talk about some business concerning the
college. After we met, she started talking non-stop (and I am not exaggerating)
for the entire hour. I kept waiting for her to take a breath—to pause—to take a
break between words—to ask what I thought—anything so I could get a word in
edgewise, but she never did. Finally, after sixty minutes of me listening without
saying a word, I had to leave for my next appointment. When I got up from my
chair I said, “Well, it was nice talking to you!”
God
must feel the same way when we do all the talking but never listen. He wants to
speak to us, but we must have open hearts to hear His voice. “Today, if you
hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb. 3:15). If
you in a bad situation and don’t know what to do, God says if you will pray
and ask for wisdom, He will always show you what to do. “If any of you
lacks wisdom, let him ask of God...and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
But
how will you know when He gives you the wisdom? He will put thoughts in your
mind and impressions on your heart. Sometimes He will give you desires to point
your heart in the right direction. At other times, you will just instinctively know
what you need to do. However, if you don’t expect Him to speak to you, you won’t
receive anything from the Lord (James 1:7).
Remember
that prayer is a dialog and not a monologue. Learn to listen to God and then do
what He says. www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com
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