What does prayer do? I have asked and have been asked this question many times. At first it is hard to answer. All kinds of theological and practical answers come to mind. Praying is about God and it is about us. Somehow the two come together in an interesting, yet effective way.
Prayer takes different forms. We pray at church, work , school and home. We pray kneeling, standing, sitting, driving, etc. We pray in the quietness and in the busyness. We pray and that's good!
What if something really happened when we prayed? What if people appeared to give us advice or God's voice spoke audibly when we needed it most? What if we were transformed in a really obvious way because of our prayer life?
"Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying , appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white." (Luke 9:28-29, NRSV)
Prayer changes us. We give over our burdens and those of others. Prayer is a conversation that strengthens our relationship with the divine. Having this conversation allows us to know God better and through that we are able to deepen our relationship.
In order to have a conversation we need to listen. "Then from the cloud came a voice that said, 'This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!'" (Luke 9:35, NRSV) Imagine not giving God time to speak. Yet we do that all of the time. We talk and talk and talk . . .
As we get ready for Lent let us prepare to listen. Make time to have a conversation with God daily. Reflect on scripture and sit in silence for 10-20 minutes. You will be amazed at how much God wants to say. You will be blessed by the word God has to share.
Peace, Juan
P.S. If you want to know more about listening to God's voice write me a note I would love to hear your story.
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