While some people prefer savory delicacies, I go for the sweets. If presented with a charcuterie board of cookies and cakes, I would not choose the plain shortbread. No, I would reach out for the vanilla cream filled, chocolate ganache topped cupcake.
So, to take this example and apply it to prayer, should I be content to just take my requests to God when needs arise, and that’s it? Something better is available. What have I been choosing? What will I choose today and tomorrow?
There is a deeper form of prayer that can be experienced when the believer takes the time to spend in dedicated communion (companionship) with God. It is a time to be in God’s presence. It is a Holy time without personal agenda, reasoning or motive other than gaining closeness in relationship with God.
John Wesley says, “Eternal things not seen are as certain as things that are seen.” Thomas Keating speaks about a deeper realm of prayer where great adventure takes place, “a realm open to the Infinite and hence to Infinite possibilities. It is a realm where we become awakened to the presence and action of the indwelling Spirit of God in us.”
I want to be there! Do you?
Surely there is greater peace and joy to be found in that deeper form of prayer where one feels closer to God and more aware of His presence and love. It’s been likened to sitting around a campfire or in front of the fireplace hearth, feeling the warmth on the skin and a sense of peacefulness in the heart.
Scripture tells us:
God fills us with joy in His presence (Ps 16:11).
God says that in His presence, “I will give you rest” (Exo 33:14).
The Lord your God, is in your midst… “He will quiet you with His love” (Zeph 3:17).
There is refuge in the shadow of His wings (Ps 36:7).
The more time spent in God’s presence, listening to Him, being with Him, the better able we learn to discern His voice and direction. Then, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it” (Isa 31:21).
Personally, I can use every bit of help available. And when the help is coming from the Almighty God, well, it can’t get any better than that.
Lord, freely You offer us Your presence, Your help, Your love. May we intentionally choose to deepen our relationship with You, setting aside holy time to be in Your presence, where we can be warmed by Your love, fascinated by Infinite possibility and directed by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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