I've been hearing a lot about this subject lately -radio, church, bible study, readings.. well you get the idea. It really started me thinking, "Do I really LISTEN for Him to speak to me? Guide me?" We pray for his wisdom, comfort, peace, discernment, etc... all the time, but I'm wondering if the reason (or at least one of the reasons)we aren't hearing Him is because the things we're praying for or the way we're going about prayer just don't line up with His way for our lives.
Are we being thankful in prayer? Do the prayers conform with what God would want for US in a life that would please HIM?
Don't know the answer? Well I was a little stuck too, then I grew silent, still...listened and remembered *with God's help :)) that the answers we seek are just a fingertip away. The Bible!
The Bible - or God's Word as some say, is the place to start. Look at the Bible as a kind of spiritual food - each scripture filling you up with God's Love, Strength, Wisdom, and so much more. What a great Father we have -to make a covenant with His people (us), He helps us make this incredible journey from the Garden of Eden to Ur all the way to Bethlehem and so on. Reclaiming us from the sins of this world and sacrificing His one and only son in order to accomplish this...AMAZING!!
I know for a fact I've been quite selfish when it comes to prayer time. Now I'm not saying I'm asking for God to grant me three wishes or make me rich, I just realized that the way I was praying didn't line up with God's way of thinking. I mean... I prayed for people to get well, and I prayed for my family and friends, sometimes I thanked God for the day or making someone better. The thought never occurred to me that I hadn't consulted God about anything! Not once had I asked or prayed to Him - "Hey Father, what are your thoughts on this or that?" And then listened for His response. The reason that none of this had ever occurred to me before?
I WAS TRYING TO STEER. :(
What I mean is, I still wanted to be in control. As human beings, we have a very hard time of giving up control and submitting completely and fully to something. Everything changed the minute I left control in God's hands, a great weight was lifted. From time to time, I admit I try to steer the car and every time it always gets me into trouble. Thankfully we have a Father who's Grace is given freely and loves us always I'm not saying all my life is great, but I know with God's guidance and the support of others in my church, there's nothing "life" throws at me that I can't face!
Here are a few tips that may help you "listen" better for God's voice:
1) Receive a daily devotional in your email, via text message or Facebook or buy a daily devotional at your local Christian book store or Barnes and Nobles.
2) Find a quiet place in your home (inside/outside) that you can read daily from your Bible. Try to do this around the same time each day. This helps you to create a routine and gives you private time with God.
*I also recommend turning off your cellphone during this time, to be truly free from distractions
3) Buy a journal or small spiral notebook. Write down questions about things you read that you may need clarification on or you may have a question concerning events, language, or etc... ask someone about it later; maybe your Pastor or someone more knowledgeable at church. Use it to write your own prayers, concerns of the day, or favorite scriptures in.
*Find a Photobox or shoebox to store your Bible, notebook, pen or pencil, & bookmark in. Then you can store the box wherever your quiet place is and you can just pull them out when you need them.
4) Pray & give thanks to God!
I hope this was helpful. God Bless you all.
Leslie
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