This is the most important thing you can do in life – so important that even agnostics and atheists practice some form of it!
Today, I’m writing about prayer and meditation. It’s important in our meta-conversation about perspective because it’s through prayer and meditation that we connect with God and gain perspective!
Links to our other articles on Perspective:
Whose reality do you put your faith in?
It’s through prayer and meditation that we connect with God and gain perspective!
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open to us a door for the word, so that we may speak for the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Colossians 4:2 – 4
Devoted to Prayer
For me, it was hearing the speaker’s passion for his prayer time at a men’s retreat and the fullness of God that came to him each morning as a result.
At one point he shouted, “How cool is this guys. I don’t even need an alarm clock because the God of the universe wakes me up so that I can spend time with Him!”
I wanted that – I wanted to be wanted by God.
I’ve heard other speakers say it this way: “you can tell a man’s walk with God by his prayer life.”
Since then, I’ve been getting my butt out of bed by 6am to spend time reading the Bible and praying.
What is Prayer?
I probably have an unconventional view on this. Don’t call me a heretic yet though!
My view on prayer is that it’s a Conversation with God, not a one way dialogue where I tell God what’s going on and what I need.
The God of the universe repeatedly tells us in both the Old and New Testament that He wants a relationship with us – a love relationship at that.
How much time do you spend with that one friend who does all the talking? Wouldn’t you like to get a word in edge wise?
Taking time during your prayer to listen to God is the surest way to hear Him speak.
How do you do prayer time?
Prayer time for me starts with bowing and acknowledging God’s sovereignty. It reminds me who I’m talking to and honors Him simultaneously.
I also take time up front to thank Him for the previous day and for the privilege of waking up again in the morning. Life can’t be taken for granted.
Because I pray after reading a chunk of scripture (15 – 20 verse, or however the chunk breaks out), I often have questions about the story I just read. I ask Him and then I stop talking so I can listen.
Typically these questions relate back to me:
For example, I might ask which character I was in the story I’ve read? Like, am I Paul, meant to share the word, the person reading His letter, or the person whom he needs to share the word of God with?
I try to always leave 5 – 10 minutes of quiet meditation on the scripture I just read and the nature of God.
Lastly, I write down a summary of my prayer time in my journal each day highlighting what I prayed for and what I believe God spoke to me.
What do you say in prayer?
Anything. It’s a relationship and even though God is God and He already knows, He wants us to tell Him. He wants us to be comfortable bringing things to Him.
I’ve yelled at God in anger, cried before Him in sadness and frustration, begged Him for help, and praised Him all in a single setting.
Relationships are messy. It’s scary to bear your soul completely open to someone – let alone the God of the universe.
But, God is faithful to love us through it, because He’s a God of love.
Thankful in Prayer
I’m eternally grateful for the time I have in prayer each morning. It keeps me humble, reminds me of God’s good provision in my life, and allows me to bear my feelings openly because I know I am secure in His love…
