Communing with God

There should never be a day when we are not praying. Ever! There is not a spot where communion with God is not appropriate. If we find prayer needless, awkward, or embarrassing, it may be that we are new at communing with God. Or, it could be that we are indulging in a proud attitude or sinful action that is inappropriate or has compromised our environment.

What kind of communication do you have with your best friend? Is it always the same? All joy, but no sorrow? All gut-wrenching confession, but no happy celebration of victories? All about the weather, nothing about the kids? The great joy of a real friend is the all-ness of your speech. No holds barred, no subject off limits; mutual sharing of anything and everything. Intimacy is gained with a good friend through all-ness.

Should it be less with God? God wants to be included in your most stunning moments and in the most routine. He wants you to acknowledge Him in your greatest successes and turn to Him—not run away from Him—in the valleys of your greatest failures. He longs to be in your thoughts, and He has profound and precise things to say to you about everything in your life. And sometimes, He wants nothing more than to sit by the fire with you in simple fellowship and affirming love. All types of communication, all the time.

FLoving Father, I worship You for all that You are! For Your power and glory and might…and for Your great love for me! Thank You that You are willing to walk with me in the high places as well as in the darkest valleys. I am humbled by the incredible gift of Your presence, and for the unending fellowship of Your friendship and love. I am grateful that sometimes when I can’t find words, You are there, sitting with me and listening, as the only Word I will ever need. 

Prayer Points

• Praise God for individuals whom he has called to be your spiritual guides.

• Thank God for establishing order and authority in his church.

• Confess any lack of appreciation for the responsibility God has given to your pastor, elders, and deacons.

• Commit yourself to regularly upholding your spiritual leaders in prayer.

• Ask God to grant you a willingness to follow their leadership.

• Pray by name for your pastor(s), elders, and deacons. “They keep watch over you as men who must give account.” Ask that “their work will be a joy, not a burden” (Heb. 13:17).