Prayer Journal
Wednesday, December 13, 2000
"The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.'" 1 Kings 19:11-12
Elijah knew that he could not see God and live (Ex 33:20), so I'm sure he wondered just how God would reveal himself. Elijah knew that Moses several generations earlier, saw God's glory after He passed by the rock where God protected him. Would God reveal himself like He did to Moses?
As Elijah prepared to "experience" God, all his senses were in standby mode. After a strong wind, an earthquake and a fire appeared in succession, Elijah could not find God. I'm sure he must have questioned his understanding of God's earlier instruction.
Notice that all these events were external and affected Elijah's physical senses. He was prepared for another similar event when he heard God's still small voice, like a gentle whisper within his spirit. It was God's confirmation of His presence to Elijah. When He was certain that Elijah was attentive, it was then that God spoke to him.
Most Christians misunderstand prayer. They believe that prayer is mostly talk and little listening to God. In truth, prayer is more like Elijah's experience; 99% waiting, looking and listening and very little, to no talking.
Elijah was in a spirit of prayer as he sought God and waited on Him. He was in God's presence and listening for His confirmation, eager to hear His instruction. That defines the spirit of prayer - Being attentive in God's presence.
How much time do we spend in God's presence? You might be thinking, "Two times on Sunday and once on Wednesday". Wrong answer! While we eagerly anticipate these times of corporate worship, spending time ALONE in God's presence is the defining point in the Christian faith. In other words, the amount of time we spend alone with God defines the way God reveals Himself, if at all, through our life.
How is God revealing Himself through you? If you don't see much evidence of God in your life, you're probably not spending much time in His presence? But there is something you can do about that problem:
"And pray in the Spirit, on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Eph 6:18
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible,
New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained
from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product,
(c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way,
Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
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