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"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Most everyone recognizes the importance of physical exercise to the body. Now, whether we do the exercise or not is a different matter. But at least on a cognitive, intellectual level, we know that motion is lotion. Moving about and refusing to be sedentary contributes to our physical health in many ways. But the same is true in the spiritual realm. There are certain disciplines that we know are vital to our spiritual growth and health. The first two which come to mind are daily prayer and Bible reading.
For a while, I have been experiencing more duty than delight in my prayer times with the Lord. I was diligent to pray an hour every morning with other prayer times throughout the day, but I sensed a dryness, a monotony of praying the same rote prayers. So, I started trying to listen more and talk less. Prayer is not only talking to God, but it is also listening to God. I do too much talking! It has been sweet to simply be still in the presence of the Lord and ask questions like, "What would You like for me to do? Is there anything I need to do for You?" I have begun to make changes, and I spend about the same amount of time in prayer but not as much rote memory of names and Scriptures. It has reenergized my prayer time.
Of course, the primary way God speaks to us is through His awesome, perfect Word, the Holy Bible. No doubt or dispute whatsoever. Yes, God will always speak through His Word, and He will impress upon you or speak to your spirit by His Holy Spirit.
People often say, "God told me," or "the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that you should do this." I have no doubt the Lord speaks and gives impressions, but when they do not line up with the clear teaching of the Word of God, then we have misheard. Perhaps we have mistaken God's speaking with the desires of our own hearts or what we want to happen. Recently, someone told my wife that the Lord impressed upon her that she was to do this major ministry assignment. My wife was uneasy with this statement and told me that God did not tell her that!
I am currently reading a book my son Leighton gave to me, titled, Lead with Prayer, by Skoog, Greer, and Doolittle. I have read the first four chapters and highly recommend it. The authors did extensive research on the prayer lives of those who are faithfully following Jesus. They wrote their findings in the book.
Your quiet times and devotional times with the Lord may need a boost. I know mine did. Changing things up as well as reading about the prayer lives of others has blessed, encouraged, and motivated me in my time with the Lord. Thank You, Jesus!
Try mixing things up a bit. Listen more and be still in the presence of our great God. Talk less. Allow the Word of God, the Holy Bible, to penetrate your soul. The Lord desires communion with you, not in a hurried "microwave" manner, but in a slower, marinating way.
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