Why not "ask", "plead", or "beg"? Why "pray", some would question? Prayer has a very special meaning. In most cases, it applies to one's relationship with God. It has a distinct characteristic. It involves humility, dependence, hope, faith, and love. It may deal with material needs or contentment in life, but it is really about the next life. It is geared towards life eternal. Salvation is its destiny and expected fruit. We pray to be led and guided to the fullness of life.
If indeed all prayers are answered, why are there claims they are not true? Maybe one answer would be, "Can you imagine if ALL our prayers are ANSWERED as we prayed?" It would be an underestimation if we say the world will be in confusion if not destruction. Our millions of prayers vary from the most simple to the most weird. From the most peaceful to the most violent. From the most reasonable to the most preposterous. Prayers have their particular purpose.
To come to pray means to ache and feel the presence of the Almighty. We turn to God when we have no one and nothing to turn to. We turn to God when what we need is more than what this world could give. We turn to God to fill the emptiness in our selves. We turn to God because we were created in His image. We turn to God because our hearts will not rest until it rests in Him. We pray to God to be with Him. We pray to God because He is presence par excellence!
Having been with God can bring a feeling of bliss. It gives a taste of the unknown. It helps us enter into the beyond. God's presence is really an enough! It is really a wonder how many had not discovered this yet. How some would fulfill their prayer by mouthing formal and made prayers. Not that they are bad, it is just that they were sincerely made by their originators. It takes to be in their condition, heart, and mind in order to fathom and own their intentions. It also brings forth the important reality that prayer is more listening than speaking. It is God who we are meeting. It is His Word that is more important than our words. The only way we can know and understand God is when we listen. This attitude must be learned no matter how uncomfortable it is at times. When we get use to it, we will discover the tranquility it will bring. We will also discover that the Word of God is really not hard to hear. We will finally be able to know His Will. And if we have the courage to make it real in our lives, our prayer will lead us to a deeper and meaningful relationship with God.
Searching and aching for God's presence? Pray!
If indeed all prayers are answered, why are there claims they are not true? Maybe one answer would be, "Can you imagine if ALL our prayers are ANSWERED as we prayed?" It would be an underestimation if we say the world will be in confusion if not destruction. Our millions of prayers vary from the most simple to the most weird. From the most peaceful to the most violent. From the most reasonable to the most preposterous. Prayers have their particular purpose.
To come to pray means to ache and feel the presence of the Almighty. We turn to God when we have no one and nothing to turn to. We turn to God when what we need is more than what this world could give. We turn to God to fill the emptiness in our selves. We turn to God because we were created in His image. We turn to God because our hearts will not rest until it rests in Him. We pray to God to be with Him. We pray to God because He is presence par excellence!
Having been with God can bring a feeling of bliss. It gives a taste of the unknown. It helps us enter into the beyond. God's presence is really an enough! It is really a wonder how many had not discovered this yet. How some would fulfill their prayer by mouthing formal and made prayers. Not that they are bad, it is just that they were sincerely made by their originators. It takes to be in their condition, heart, and mind in order to fathom and own their intentions. It also brings forth the important reality that prayer is more listening than speaking. It is God who we are meeting. It is His Word that is more important than our words. The only way we can know and understand God is when we listen. This attitude must be learned no matter how uncomfortable it is at times. When we get use to it, we will discover the tranquility it will bring. We will also discover that the Word of God is really not hard to hear. We will finally be able to know His Will. And if we have the courage to make it real in our lives, our prayer will lead us to a deeper and meaningful relationship with God.
Searching and aching for God's presence? Pray!
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