Week 4: Prayer

Feb 12, 2008 01:40 AM
If I am in this situation I have given in to faulty thinking. I replace it with thought that is based on experience: I know that He is there.
Luke 24:14,15 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

Feb 12, 2008 07:29 AM
Hi, Kristine. Good to "see" you! Great answer.
There is one area that I have confessed to friends that very "feeling". What is kinda wierd about it is that when I said it out loud, I felt like a big baby.
It is because I don't see what "I think" needs to be done. I have a great valley sometimes between my head and my heart. My feelings and emotions have fooled me much in this life :-) I am so very greatful that at times like this I can rest in what I know! When these times come, I find comfort in His Word.
Rom 8:28,31

Feb 12, 2008 01:06 PM
Interesting thoughts! The word "felt" jumped out to me also as the crux of the matter. There are times my disposition compels no feeling at all. I think at those times I am praying to the air. My heart is not in it or something. The feelings may come as I move thru the prayers or go more towards confessing or declaring His attributes. Praying ought to elevate our awareness and get us out of "ourselves", which is why it "feels" like we are talking to air. In the end I guess I am curious whether it matters how we feel about it at all. Does God hear either way or is their some spiritual conduit of sorts that opens when we are totally awake in His Presence and praying?

Feb 12, 2008 08:51 PM
Your comment provoked some thought on how I feel when my kids talk to me out of "obligation" sometimes. You know... when they don't feel like talking to me, but do it anyway because I do not let them out of it. I feel kind of unimportant and superfulous. However, that doesn't mean that the conversation was a waste of time, or that I do not pay attention and take care of the business at hand. It just isn't heartfelt or engaged communication. This type of communication does nothing to deepen the relationship; it just gets the work done.

On the other hand, when we sit and really engage in a conversation we are growing closer and understanding each other better. We are connecting on an intimate level and the conversation is satisfying.

My idea on your question, "Does God hear either way...?" is that God does hear, does care and does answer both types of prayer. However, I believe He craves the latter, intimate conversation and desires that we crave that too. I feel like I could float to Heaven when I have had a real, deep and intimate converstion with Him. I am closer to Him every time.

These are my thoughts, can you think of any Scripture that would apply? (I am studying for a test tomorrow night and don't have to look some up)

Feb 15, 2008 07:35 PM
A friend and I were talking this evening and she made a comment about how up until a few years ago she felt the presence of the Lord in her life all the time. However, she doesn't feel it as much anymore, and she misses it so much. I go through times that I am in auto-pilot (busy, tired, etc.) and can say the same.

It dawned on us that perhaps these feelings of true connection with the Spirit are cut off sometimes because of a lack of relationship with God... The times we don't "make the time" to honestly, and deeply connect with Him.

Just like every other relationship we have in our lives, the more time and attention we put into our relationship with the Trinity, the more intimate, protected and loved we will feel.

My conclusion is that our feelings of closeness and intimacy with God are relative to the time spent with Him. He is always there, cares the same and hears the same; it is we that wax and wane.

Less time = feeling He is not there.
More time = Trusting and always knowing He is there.

King David wrote it elegantly... Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

Have a great Friday everyone... God bless!

Feb 16, 2008 05:42 AM
Amen and Indeed!