|
B57: Is Prayer Really Prayer |
| Is prayer really prayer, if there's no passion??What we call prayer takes many forms, often totally dependent upon words.??Unfortunately I suspect?that?many of our "prayers" may only make it a few yards, as I believe that God hears, not our words, which were?developed by man, but our hearts.??Language?is a?wonderful tool for communicating?amongst ourselves, but God doesn't need language.?He hears our deepest cries.?He hears?our groanings that are?more profound and sincere?than words could ever?capture.Nehemiah was?working as a servant to King Artaxerxes when he heard from?his brother that those who escaped exile were shamed and?in trouble.?The walls?of Jerusalem had been demolished, and the gates destroyed by fire.?Listen to Nehemiah's reaction:When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days; and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.?(Nehemiah 1:4 RSV)This was something deeper than, "Lord, be with my brothers and sisters, and take care of them.?Amen."?This was?anguish and passion.?This was heart-wrenching concern.??But such prayer is dangerous, because God hears our cries, and?He responds as He often does, by choosing human hands to do His work.And, as He did in Nehemiah's case, He just might choose the one who already has the passion!?Yes, Nehemiah himself went to the king and asked?for a leave of absence to go into Jerusalem and rebuild the walls!Consider?all the prayers?we have?in the Bible.? |
| Yes, Nehemiah himself went to the king and asked?for a leave of absence to go into Jerusalem and rebuild the walls!Consider?all the prayers?we have?in the Bible.?Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane.?Mary's prayer.?Job's prayer.?Daniel's prayer.?David's prayer . . .??Hear the passion in them.?See how God moves through those who pray.?Forgive us, Lord, when we?water down the word "prayer."?Teach us to commune with?You as You desire it.?Teach us to pray so that we are Nehemiahs for Your kingdom, laying the bricks! |
|
Webhosting