|
As a child I had opportunity to watch my beloved grandmother read in
her German Bible and pray. All through my life I've heard in church that
a Christian should have daily devotional times. Sometimes the preacher
or Sunday School teacher might even give some practical suggestions,
such as a daily Bible reading schedule, and how to use the letters of
A - (Adoration)
C - (Confession)
T - (Thanksgiving)
S - (Supplication)
as my prayer outline. Yet we all run into some frustration at various times
in our lives, even if we diligently form a habit of having our "Quiet
Time."
In my 20s I was desperate to have God answer a certain prayer, and I
read every book I could get on prayer. I didn't get what I asked for, but
through all that, I did learn to have effective times of communing with
my dearest Friend and Confidant. I learned to tell Him everything I
thought and desired. Yes, when I was frustrated and impatient with Him
too.
About that time, in answer to a prayer for a job - whatever He wanted me
to do - I got a job as a receptionist and switchboard operator in a light
bulb factory. It was in an out of the way place, so sometimes nothing
happened for hours on end. To help me pray and keep from getting
distracted when there were calls or visitors, I started to write our prayers
in a journal. That became a special blessing for me, because months or
years later I could turn back the pages and see how God had answered
my prayers, but my thank you prayers that followed days later.
Not everyone will want to write so much, but even a few short notes may
help. When you put your worship and your requests down on paper, and
really think about it, sometimes the answer from God just stares right
back at you from those words.
Naturally, there were down times, but the times of sweet fellowship drew
me back to His side. I've read that many of the well-known Christians
from the past also journaled their prayers, or spiritual development. Men
like John Bunyan and John Wesley, and Martin Luther all wrote.
Everyone is different, so you need to make an effort (Satan tries to hinder
and dissuade us too), until you find the best way for YOU to get together
with the Lord, so you can express your love to one another.
- Ruth Marlene Friesen
|
