Praying Attention

Too often we pray out of routine and too often this routine is a reflection of our daily lives. Truth is most of us spend far too much time talking. Some of the questions we ask aren’t necessary. If we will only stop talking and listen for a little while, most of the time our questions will be answered. It’s very difficult to listen, pay attention, if we never stop talking. This is also true in prayer. King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:2, “Never be rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be quick to utter a word before God, for God Is in heaven, and you upon earth; therefore let your words be few.” When we go before God we must think about what we are doing, who we are and, most importantly, who God is. Far too often we don’t listen to God during prayer, and we don’t listen because we are too busy talking, bombarding Him with our multitude of requests. At the end of verse 2, Solomon says, “let your words be few.” That one line sums up all of verse 2.

One of the most amazing experiences in prayer I ever had was when I drew near to God by seeking Him in si-lence. When I took the time to clear the clutter from my mind and truly focus my mind, body and soul on God, imagining who He is, was I able to really pay attention to what He had to share with me, rather than fo-cusing on what I wanted to share with Him. Through deep breaths and silence of mind and mouth was I able to release all the pressures and excess of my daily routine. Images began to enter my mind about what God the Father may look like. After several moments of different images, one particular image seemed to be very still. It was the image of open arms drawing me near to safety. This was one of the most intense spiritual experi-ences of my life. I have had many spiritual experiences during prayer but none like that one.

It is amazing what can happen in prayer when we make it about Him. Proverbs 8:34 is a reminder of this, “Happy is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.” Just like words can cause us to miss out in our daily lives, they can also get in the way of our spiritual unity with God. Only when we are truly silent and still, can we hear the Lord’s whispers of comfort or challenge, peace or purpose, forgiveness and faith. I encourage you to listen more when you pray. I promise you will discover that by pay-ing attention, God has something He wants to say to you.

Through all the pain and hatred in this word that burdens my heart, it is with You in prayer that I receive a fresh start. Through all the confusion and problems of this world beside me, it is through prayer that He will find me. Above all the joy and happiness in this life to share, the ultimate joy is hearing You in prayer.

By Devin Bennett