Today we join Kim at the Internet Cafe to discuss our prayer lives (or lack thereof).
Kim posed the following discussions questions:
On a scale of 1-10, with a 10 representing the strongest, rate your current prayer life. Why did you rate yourself as you did?
If you are struggling with your prayer life, make a list of possible stumbling blocks to a more intimate prayer life with Jesus.
Make a list of how we can grow closer to Jesus in our prayer life as well.
Am I struggling? I wouldn’t say I’m struggling with my prayer life per se, but I could always improve. Time constraints are the main issue, but honestly — as I try to use that as an excuse, I can find time to blog and read other blogs, right? I can always find time to do what I WANT to do. I really DO YEARN for God’s presence. I YEARN to hear His voice. My heart belongs to Him, yet my flesh is so easily distracted. Sigh! I guess this is why I hunger for Wednesday nights at our church. I can actually spend an hour or more just worshiping the Lord and interceding … no distractions! It is such a precious time!
How can I grow closer to Jesus in my prayer life? One major KEY is reading God’s Word! What does the bible say about the words written within?
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Spending quality time with the Lord is another KEY. When we are interested in building a relationship in the natural, we are willing to spend time with the other person. That is how we get to know someone, right? We spend time, we talk, we laugh, we cry — share our hearts. It is no different with the Lord. We need to spend time with Him, talk to Him — LISTEN TO HIM, share our hearts, laugh, cry … lean on Him.
I just have to say, I AM SO THANKFUL THAT JESUS IS OUR HIGH PRIEST. He tore the veil and now we can approach the Throne of God. Hallelujah! Do you understand? WOW — WE CAN TALK TO THE GOD OF ALL CREATION and He actually loves US.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Bless you all! If you’d like to participate in this chat, please click the button below.
Really enjoyed your answers sweetie.
Very honest post Beth. I enjoy reading what you think and feel inside concerning the things of God and how important it is to wrap our lives around those things. You bless my sister;)
When we read God’s Word, we are touching LIFE!
amen amen amen..what a powerful statement this is…
So enjoyed reading your post today… I find myself talking to the Lord often, but not that concentrated time like I so need… Thanks again for participating in the meme… you bring encouragement to the community weekly 🙂
Blessings, Kim
I’m not sure how I would rate my prayer life. Like you, I do a lot of chatting. And I tend to pray a lot while I’m driving, too. Not sure if that counts as much as the eyes-closed-folded-hands kind.
But you’re right. I don’t think anyone’s a ten (though Billy Graham might be close), so we could all use some improvement.
Very great post. This was a very soul searching question. It got me thinking as well. Thanks for posting about this and for your honesty too.
Life is so full of distractions Beth. You are so right on that and it’s important for us to examine ourselves in our walk with the Lord. I often call it “dry spots” when I know that I’ve been allowing the distractions of life to get in the way of what’s really IMPORTANT. Funny I read this after I just commented to you letting you know I was catching up as I’m not reading/posting as many blogs as I used to because my schedule has changed and it’s interesting because part of that change is to balance out my time in a manner that’s pleasing to GOD because when all is said and done nothing else is more important than HIM.
Your transparency is a blessing and always encouraging.
Love you.
wise woman…..very wise!
thanks for such uplifting and inspiring words……I really needed them today!
Peace~
*~Michelle~*
This was a great post Beth. I believe most people would list time constraints as a stumbling block in carving out prayer time, the sad thing is, God wants to be carved in our time permanently, the main focus before all things. I'm still trying to fulfill that as deeply as I can. When He says, "Be Still And Know That I Am God", that's when you really hear Him. I've had some pretty powerful times with the Lord, times when I've prayed, prayed in the spirit and then listened, He spoke…I couldn't audibly hear Him, but I was writing down what He was saying as fast as my pen would write. I've passed those special times on to our Pastor because some messages I believe were for the church body, but if we are really humbling before Him and listening, believe me, you will hear Him. What an awesome God we have. When this started happening with me, that's when I truly realized what the true meaning of Be Still And Know That I Am God meant, and my life literally changed forever.
Hugs & Blessings,
Alleluiabelle
My answer on Denise’ post is, (I rated myself) 5-6. Although I prayed every night and day, but some of them are void because of too much destraction on my mind.
That is why I have to do my monthly whole day prayer and fasting, too.
Enjoy your weekend. 🙂
Thank you beth for your prayers and support. To address your suggestion. I personally have sent the link to my article along with my concerns to one local media and one christian radio personality in that area. As of yesterday, nothing had been said….
Serving GOD together, andrea
What a blessing of a post, Beth! I’m so glad we can go to Him anytime with anything!!