Bible Question: A question concerning my relationship to God. The Bible says to pray without ceasing. I personally have always felt uncomfortable praying, but yet at the same time,I feel like I have a very close relationship with God. The only way I can describe it is that I have an open heart to God. In my mind and heart I can talk to Him at any time. To pray seems silly when He is right there with me anyway. Is it wrong to feel this way? Sometimes I do formally pray, but it doesn't feel right. It's like having someone in the room with you, but instead of talking to them, you bow your head and pray to them. So, my question is this. Do you think the statement about praying without ceasing was another way to say to never stop praying? Or in other words, never end your prayer or your open connnection with God? Do you think God wants a formal standoffish relationship with us where we treat Him formally? Just curious what other think. |
Bible Answer: Chynna: A couple of things I would like to touch on here. First of all, we see that "formal prayer," as you put it, is practiced by most of the God-fearing men of the Bible. David prayed (the Hebrew word for the book of Psalms actually means "prayers"). The patriarchs and prophets prayed. The apostles prayed. Even Jesus, the Son of God, prayed to his heavenly Father (John 17 is the most lengthy example) and directed His disciples on how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13). So formal praying is practiced by God's people and commanded by Christ. One thing I might suggest: remember that even though God is always present, and present in a special way of the life of a believer, you and He are not equals. Even though we have been brought near to God, adopted through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, we should never see Him merely as a "pal" or a "buddy" to chat with. He is the holy, perfect Creator and Sustainer of the universe and everything in it, including your very existence. He still hates sin witha holy hatred, including the remaining sin in the life of a believer; and the reverential fear of God is still called for among His children. Therefore, while I wouldn;t call our relationship with God "standoffish," it definitely is not a relationship among peers. He is our Father, but retains his position as the holy, almighty King of Kings. Bowing is certainly not out of order. Prayer, above all else, is an expression of our continual dependence upon Him for everything, for the preservation of our faith to the very next breath that we take. He is our Sovereign, and from my perspective "praying without ceasing" is a constant acknowledgment of and gratitude to our Provider, our Savior, our Lord for all of the grace and mercy he has bestowed upon us; as well as a constant awareness that our position as His children is in spite of our continuous rebellion against Him in our sinful actions. Perhaps dwelling on these truths will help you develop the disciplines of prayer. I would encourage you to read the Psalms as good examples of prayer. Take a look at other prayers in the Bible. Read passages which expound upon the character of God. Maybe writing down some prayers might help. In any case, God is "right there," but that does not excuse us from going to Him in prayer. --Joe! |