After The Work

We have all seen movies or television shows where a young person is going on stage in a play they had been working hard on. They might peek out the curtain to make sure mom, dad, grandpa, or whomever will be in attendance. The cliche’ is that the curtain goes up and the chair with the “reserved” sign is empty, only to have the person sit down right as the performance begins. The child smiles, and is able to charm the audience with their genuine smile.

Being present for others is truly a blessing. When we are not around, we do not make memories or grow together. It is when we show up for one another do we put ourselves in a position to be a blessing to and blessed by those around us. Sometimes we may feel like being alone, solitude offering time for reflection. It is when we are avoiding others that we should reflect upon why.

A similar thought regarding our relationship with God. Like any relationship, we need to make space in our life for prayer and meditation. While God can hear us anywhere, it is when we intentionally make time for that relationship where we reflect upon ourselves and what we would like to say. The same for “listening” for God, be it a feeling in our hearts or a “still, small voice” of our mind we have to “practice the presence of God” like Brother Lawrence once wrote.

Samuel is a good example of being present for God. As a youth, he slept in the Temple of God, near the Ark as an assistant to Eli the High Priest. After some direction from Eli, he finally heard God: “The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel did no special ritual, took no herbs, made no sacrifice. He was present, however, and willing to listen.

Making ourselves available to God is the key. We cannot force God to answer, nor can we sit without faith. God is good and wants relationship with us, so if we are willing and patient, our relationship with God can deepen on his time and pleasure. It may take some time, but if the time is only used for deep breaths and quieting our mind, then it is time well spent.

The Word of God tells us about God and about our relationship with Him. Our prayertime is a very personal expression of that relationship that is informed by the Word. To try and pray without reading about Jesus, then how do we know who he is and what to discuss? One great place to look is the Lord’s Prayer:

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

While we do not have the space here to discuss the prayer point by point, we do find Who we are addressing (not to mention who taught humankind this prayer), tells us about God, what we need daily, forgiveness, and deliverance. You may find it useful to study the prayer point by point, or saying it all at once, it is your pleasure to digest it however you like.

Just as we show up for our friends and family, there is a call on our hearts to show up for God in prayer. Quiet yourself, find a private place, and endeavor to put yourself in a position to listen. There will be a time through faith in Christ when living waters will quench the parched soul. It may take time, and maybe some tears over the past. No leap of faith is taken without action to place ourselves in the position to listen.