I admit it. I struggle with prayer. It is not that I do not pray. I do. It is that my prayer life is not as intense as I desire.
Why this is a difficulty is somewhat puzzling to me as I love to communicate, and prayer is talking with God. Over the years I have become more skilled at communicating with people. I am expressing my thoughts in fewer words and listening more intently to other people’s ideas. So what is my problem about communicating with God?
God is majestic and beyond understanding while at the same time personal and approachable. Sometimes this causes me an issue as I do not think my insignificant problems are worth bothering God about even though he knows the number of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:30). He obviously cares so much about me that he knows things about me I don’t.
My caring, personal God is always available to me. So why do I feel a distance? I believe it is because I do not listen for him in the manner he chooses to speak to me. When Elijah sought to hear from God, he learned that God does not speak in an earthquake or the fire—but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
I do not hear God speaking because I am not listening closely enough. I expect God to talk with me when I have time to listen and in a manner that will require little thought or reflection to understand. How arrogant of me! I need to quit expecting God to meet my requirements. I must do things his way.
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Resolved Day 5: I will pray throughout the day and listen for God’s still, small voice.