Thoughts for another day

Mar. 13, 2008

Today's verse: 1 Sam. 1:13-15. Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

With no intent at criticism, I must say, looking at people pray, we can immediately make out if the prayer is sincere. Some mumble prayers as a legal requirement; then there are some who sit through prayers barely able to contain sleep while at times we pray like an express train speeding to reach on time. Unfortunately, none of these prayers are able to move the heart of God.

When you think, it is so easy to sit before God just telling Him things. Sharing your secrets or the days’ happenings, etc. Of course, we must first praise and thank Him for all He has done. What surprises me is, most people don’t understand that God wants us to sit with Him, just relaxing while narrating our affairs and our needs. In-between, He will also talk and tell us a few things. He doesn’t talk like another human but gently puts ideas in our minds which over time, we come to learn is His way of talking to us. In it we also find comfort and a peace, which can be only from Him.

People tell me they don’t know to pray. These aren’t kids but grown-ups who all their life, have read ‘prayer books’ and asked others to pray for them; ultimately they aren’t able to pray. Then there are others who mumble without making any sense. I’d advise them to look at the way Hannah prayed and moved the heart of God in giving her a son, Samuel, who was close to God’s heart.

My friend, understand that praying isn’t labor. All you need to do is set aside a few mins. each day to spend in prayer. In beginning, just pour out your heart. Say anything but say something. Your sincerity in this will ensure God’s presence and soon you will feel His anointing even as the troubles of life just melt before you. I’d urge you to bring intensity in your prayer that will move the heart of God. Don’t be bothered of what others say if praying in a common place; rather think how much God is going to be pleased. Pretty soon, you will see what He does with your life. He says in His Word, ‘And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.’ Sooner or later, you will witness the power of God in your life, brought about by prayer.