I'm so used to saying prayer is a spiritual discipline. It sounds so, well, spiritual. It's the perfect christianese catch phrase - spiritual discipline. However, the more I learn about prayer and consider my own prayer life, the more that Philip Yancey quote resonates with me. I have often prayed out of a sense of duty, especially as a pastor. And yes, it's true that I sometimes have to force myself to make time to pray - and I don't think that's a bad thing, because I always come away from that time encouraged and refreshed. It's true!
My challenge to you (and also to myself) is to consider that prayer doesn't score points with the Almighty. Prayer is a way of deepening your relationship with your Saviour; to express yourself to your Creator. When I read through the Psalms, I don't see: Dear Jesus, thank you for this day. Please keep my family safe today.
I see: Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?
I see: I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.
And that's just in one chapter! (chapter 6)
You're allowed to be emotional in your prayers. You're allowed to express frustration and grief and repentance and misery. Think of a relationship you've had (because we've all had one like this) where you never state your true feelings. Everything is "fine" all the time. You keep everything very shallow and near the surface. That's not a lasting relationship. That's not a genuine relationship.
Talk to God. Hear from God.
In so doing, you will begin to see it less as a "discipline" and more as a necessity.
My challenge to you (and also to myself) is to consider that prayer doesn't score points with the Almighty. Prayer is a way of deepening your relationship with your Saviour; to express yourself to your Creator. When I read through the Psalms, I don't see: Dear Jesus, thank you for this day. Please keep my family safe today.
I see: Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?
I see: I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.
And that's just in one chapter! (chapter 6)
You're allowed to be emotional in your prayers. You're allowed to express frustration and grief and repentance and misery. Think of a relationship you've had (because we've all had one like this) where you never state your true feelings. Everything is "fine" all the time. You keep everything very shallow and near the surface. That's not a lasting relationship. That's not a genuine relationship.
Talk to God. Hear from God.
In so doing, you will begin to see it less as a "discipline" and more as a necessity.
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