Too often we think that prayer is telling God our “shopping list” of needs. I like what Stephen D. Eyre had to say “Turn your “to do” list over to the Lord.” Write down how you feel after you have done it. The prophet Habakkuk experience is very useful to understand that concept. In Habakkuk 2:1-3 we see that as a watchman the prophet stand at his guard post and waited to see what the LORD would say. In Psalm 32:8 we read a great promise God gave to David and us “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Do you expect Him to instruct you and guide you in life?
What should we do? (From Stephen D. Eyre book Drawing Close to God).[1]
1.To help you listen, make a list of questions and concerns you would like God to address.
2.Ask God what He thinks about your problem with ______.
3.Ask God what he wants you to do about ______.
4.Sit back and wait quietly to see what God will say.
Does it seem strange to actually listen for God to talk back? One more time,’ Do you expect Him to instruct you?’
John Powell writes:
The Lord … puts his ideas into my mind and especially his perspectives. He widens my vision, helps me to see what is really important in life, and to distinguish the really important from the unimportant …. He comes to me in the listening, receptive moments of prayer, and he transfuses his power into me.
A.W. Tozer said:
“What comes into your mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you.”
This goes back to Jesus’ invitation to enjoy a time (coffee) together (Rev.3:20).
[1] Stephen D. Eyre, Drawing Close to God: The Essentials of a Dynamic Quiet Time: a Lifeguide resource (DowersGrove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995).
John Gaucher 