SEEKING THE LORD’S PRESENCE IN PRAYER
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“Prayer does change things, all kinds of things. But the most important thing it changes is us. As we engage in this communion with God more deeply and come to know the One with whom we are speaking more intimately, that growing knowledge of God reveals to us all the more brilliantly who we are and our need to change in conformity to Him. Prayer changes us profoundly.” – R.C. Sproul
Do you want to be molded into the image of Christ? Is your heart’s desire to be like Jesus? If you long for this transformation that comes from communion with Him, seek Him in prayer. Spend time reveling in His fellowship. Allow Him to change your life in His loving presence.
“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” – C.S. Lewis
The Author of our lives welcomes us to come as we are into His wondrous presence. As we commune with Him, all else melts away. He is the One for whom our spirits long. He is home for our souls. As you dwell with Him in prayer, sense His blessed assurance that all rests with Him. Trust His absolute sovereignty in the world and in your life.
“Let this be your chief object in prayer, to realize the presence of your heavenly Father.” – Andrew Murray
We come to the throne of grace with a heart that longs to know God. A heart that desires to grasp even a hint of the One who is our life. We understand that He is beyond our comprehension… unfathomable, limitless, not bound by time or space. Yet He will reveal a bit of Himself to you as you draw close to Him. Allow Him to stir your soul with His blessed presence.
“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:12-13
In prayer, we enter into the company of the Holy Trinity… Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We bow before the throne of our heavenly Father. Christ, by His side, is our intercessor and advocate, our ally and confidant, championing our cause. The Spirit dwells within us, counseling, comforting, guiding. Become immersed in this holy atmosphere of absolute approval and favor.
“We look upon prayer as a means for getting something for ourselves; the Bible’s idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.” – Oswald Chambers
To become like Jesus, we need to seek His company, His fellowship. For we tend to become like the ones with whom we spend time. We make Him the focus, the center, the essence of our prayer life. Come with expectant faith. Sit at the Master’s feet and listen to His words to you. Abide with Him. Linger in His cherished presence.
“When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words be without heart.” – John Bunyan
A sincere heart is key to transformational prayer. Eloquence is not of importance. Our prayers need not be overlong, arduous or burdensome. If our words are spoken half-heartedly, if our minds are preoccupied, distracted, inattentive… then our prayers are of little value. For God recognizes the heart attitude behind our words. Share with Him all that is on your heart with all sincerity.
“God draws mightily near to the praying soul.” – E.M. Bounds
Do not be surprised when you seek the face of the Most Holy One that your sins become transparent. In the company of the divine, we see how far we fall short. Our desire is His complete forgiveness. Be washed clean of your sins so nothing stands between you and a holy God. He will welcome your humble heart of repentance.
“Not being changed by prayer is… like standing in the middle of a spring rain without getting wet.” – Steve Brown
Prayer is not a duty to endure but a privilege to be treasured. Pour out your heart and God will meet you where you are. Open your heart to His loving acceptance. He will shower you with His compassion, His tenderness. He will rain down His goodness, His grace, His mercy. He will drench your soul with His peace and serenity.
“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is a spiritual transaction with the Creator of heaven and earth.” – Charles Spurgeon
Prayer is about God not about us. Too often, we approach Him with our requests… and lose heart and passion for prayer when answers do not come along in our way and in our timing. Yet prayer is a time of building a covenant relationship with the Almighty. Center your prayers around Him. He will step in and touch your life. You will be changed. Allow Him to work His transformational change in your heart, your spirit and your life.
Lord, Awe me with Your presence. Turn my focus away from myself in this time of prayer and toward You. Awaken my spirit to Your unconditional acceptance. Mold me into Your image. May I be clay in the Potter’s hands. Indwell me with Your love. Remind me of Your favor. Let me bask in Your loving compassion and comfort. Let me experience a time of prayer that changes me to become ever more like You. Amen.
