One Powerful Friendship
It’s possible you are truly hungry and thirsty for God. You want to see God work in your life and use you for his glory…but you stop and wonder “what’s next?” Ever feel like you desire to get closer to God, .to engage in a stronger and more intimate relationship?(the type of relationship he intended to have with you all along) So what’s next?…why does it seem like you’re not getting any closer?
Last week my pastor spoke on prayer and something really stood out to me. I’ve always been told that prayer is important and I’ve always thought I’ve believed it was…but then I had to stop and think about what my prayer life really looked like. Sometimes we refrain from praying because we believe: “God already knows everything that’s going on in my life, I don’t need to inform him”. And that’s true, He does.
My Pastor stated that “We should not pray to God as a MEANS”(we shouldn’t only pray to him in our time of needs). I know you already know this…but think for a second, when you actually do find yourself praying, does it start out asking God to help you with something? Maybe its when you feel overwhelmed or anxious about something…
I feel like I pray quite often, and not only asking him for things. I praise him for how good he is and thank him for all he’s done for me….. But more times then not it’s triggered by something. Whether I’m in church or witness something awesome that he does.
Should we only talk to God when its triggered by a negative or positive reaction??
Then my pastor went on to state that…“We should pray (talk to God) because it strengthens our relationship and draws us closer to him” (This is the part where my ears went up) lol
Inside, my heart is desiring to grow closer and closer to God, and I’m asking God how can i accomplish this? Is there something I’m missing?…and God replies…“just talk to me”…
wow!
Sometimes we make it sooo much more complicated than what it is. We completely look over the fact that our relationship with God is much like a relationship with a close friend here on earth.
Stop and think of a best friend or family member right now, how often do you talk? Do you spend time together? What makes you so close?
Just as you would become close to someone here on earth, you can become close to God. A genuine and personal relationship, sharing in his power and love.
WHEN YOU START PRAYING (TALKING TO GOD) AS A WAY OF GROWING CLOSER TO HIM…THEN YOU WILL SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP.
Now, simply imagine a friend or family member you’ve had through out the years. It only grows stronger and more intimate. It is the same with God.
Let me share this story with you real quick..
Recently my husband and I moved to San Francisco and were staying in a temporary place until we could find a more permanent residence. Everyday I would search for a place, set up appointments, attend showings…but nothing. There were always already 20 people ahead of me, ready with their deposit in hand. The demand for a place here is ridiculous and to have an advantage is crucial. Everyone saw to it that they went above and beyond to get the next place. We had been praying for awhile that God would help us find the right place, and I had been trying to trust him along the way…but there were times when I felt discouraged. My parents came to visit this past weekend, and came along with us to a showing. We really loved this place but didn’t feel as though we had much of a chance. My parents were both in constant prayer for us over this place the entire time they were here. We left knowing it was in God’s hands.
We said goodbye to my parents yesterday as they boarded a flight back to Tennessee. A few hours after they left I got an email stating our application had been accepted.
My point here is, my parents have developed a close relationship with the Lord over the years. They have walked and talked with him everyday, making him apart of everything they do….just as a friend would do….So when they pray to the Father, he looks down and sees a close friend through the ages who has shown themselves faithful. He heard their petition on our behalf, and loved nothing more than to do a friend a favor;)
God hears my prayers…but the more I talk to him each day throughout the years, the closer our relationship will become. The more power and effectiveness I will have in my prayers.
[In Exodus 32, Abraham was a man of God, he walked with God everyday in a close relationship. God had planned to destroy the Israelites because of all their wickedness, but Abraham prayed on their behalf…and because of one man, a whole nation was saved.]
Is your desire today to grow closer to God…to experience the power of prayer and the joy of God’s friendship?….then work on your prayer life. Prayer not as a means…but as a way to strengthen a friendship;)
Oh, what a joy to be a friend of God.
