I love being around children. They never have any trouble talking to God! They just tell God what they are thinking about, concerned about, what they want for their families. They do say what they want, but mostly I find children understand quite clearly that God is not a vending machine, but rather Someone who is OK talking about the big stuff.
So, when I feel stuck about how or what to pray, I am grateful that God has an answer to that problem. When Jesus was preparing to return to heaven after the resurrection Jesus said,
"But the Counselor, the Holy spirit -- the Father will send Him in my name -- will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you." John 14:16
It must have been hard for early followers of Christ to grasp this concept, but for those of us who now routinely use internet and cell phones to communicate, it may be so common a concept that we fail to appreciate the true mystery and miracle. Because when talking to God we don't have to worry about the truth or wisdom of the advice or information. We don't need to have the internet up or our phone charged. We don't even have to know the proper search terms or how to word the question.
We just stand, sit or lay wherever we are and say, "Comforter, help me. I don't even know what to pray for or what I need, but God does know and longs for me to receive every good thing. Counselor, give me ears to hear, eyes to see, a mind to comprehend, words to say (if needed), hands and feet to serve and break my stubborn stony heart so that all of me may be for all of You. Amen."
* Ephesians 6:10-18
So, when I feel stuck about how or what to pray, I am grateful that God has an answer to that problem. When Jesus was preparing to return to heaven after the resurrection Jesus said,
"But the Counselor, the Holy spirit -- the Father will send Him in my name -- will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you." John 14:16
It must have been hard for early followers of Christ to grasp this concept, but for those of us who now routinely use internet and cell phones to communicate, it may be so common a concept that we fail to appreciate the true mystery and miracle. Because when talking to God we don't have to worry about the truth or wisdom of the advice or information. We don't need to have the internet up or our phone charged. We don't even have to know the proper search terms or how to word the question.
We just stand, sit or lay wherever we are and say, "Comforter, help me. I don't even know what to pray for or what I need, but God does know and longs for me to receive every good thing. Counselor, give me ears to hear, eyes to see, a mind to comprehend, words to say (if needed), hands and feet to serve and break my stubborn stony heart so that all of me may be for all of You. Amen."
* Ephesians 6:10-18
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