Prayer Posture

One of the most challenging aspects of my relationship with God is prayer! I don’t think I am alone in this quandary as many, many books have been written on this topic, of which I have a few. Actually, the problem isn’t so much about praying itself because I talk to God all of the time. Every day and throughout the day, there is wonderful communication with my Lord. The challenge comes when I am with other believers and prayer becomes the focus. We close our eyes…and my mind goes blank! I have friends who offer up beautiful words of praise to God along with prayer requests but when I begin to talk, I feel as though I’m struggling to find the “right” words. It is a little like shifting gears and having a hard time finding a smooth rhythm. So, what is this all about?

It is true that there is a different dynamic with God when our time spent together goes beyond casual conversation into a place of deep intimacy. When my eyes close in the setting of community prayer, so many emotions come flooding in. My very heart feels exposed as though I am “standing” on holy ground. It is in these times I simply ask my LORD to hear what I’m not able to put into words. You see, it doesn’t really matter what others who are present may hear, only to The One Whom our hearts are being offered is this important and He knows what that is already.

If you share these or similar thoughts in your own personal prayer life, I hope this will send some encouragement your way. Awe, in the presence of God (His presence being with us ALWAYS) is a very natural and reasonable response. Our conversations with Him throughout our day, whether in the car driving, in our bed going to sleep or just waking up or even before a meal when we thank Him for the blessing of food, family and friends, our words may seem to flow more easily and naturally. However, for me, in the “posture” of prayer, this being a deliberate destination, where the focus is on Jesus and the love we share, the intimacy becomes more than casual dialogue. To be speechless, well, it seems to make perfect sense.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! AMEN”

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

To The One Who, “…according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians 3:11-12)