“And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: And he said, LORD God of Israel, [there is] no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:” I Kings 8:22,23 KJV
As I read these verses I had to ask myself Do I truly know who I am praying to when I pray? I mean really?
When I pray am I always aware that God is a person? Are my words conversation or incantation? We humans do like our seven steps to this victory and four steps to that achievement. It’s possible that at times I forget that prayer is relationship not formula. It’s probably one of the reasons Jesus counselled : “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen [do]. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” Ma 6:7
When I pray do I understand that while my prayer is conversation it is conversation with a being who is unlike anyone else I know?
He is omniscient! So I can’t lie to Him and HE can’t misunderstand me.
He is omnipresent! There’s no place I can go where He cannot be reached by a simple mention of His name.
He is omnipotent! There is nothing I can ask for that is beyond His power to provide and no situation that overwhelms Him.
He is always faithful! I never have to worry that He is going to pack it in on me.
Finally He is ever merciful! He will not treat me as my sins deserve. I have His love and His favor because I have approached Him in repentance and that little act of mine was enough for Him to cover my sins past, present and future!
Oh I want more depth in my relationship with this God!
Reinventing the We'll 
Me too, Pastor J! And I love the point about, He “can’t misunderstand me”. What drives me crazy about much human communication is the no longer brilliant, over-used line, “no, you’ve misunderstood what I said”. This is often said with a conciliatory smile, so that the speaker can make a quick alteration to what he/she has said that has obviously offended me. And it can go on and on, as I continue to repeat back what they’ve said, and they take yet another stab at putting it in a more palatable form so I’ll swallow and agree with it. So–I’m glad I can’t use that ploy with God; it saves time and energy for both of us! God bless you and the fam! love, sis Caddo
So true Sis! I love that God understands my heart so fully my words can’t hide it from Him!
Me too!
I am not knocking prayer meetings and corporate prayer. They are necessary for the life of the Church and have a special purpose, but prayer is always so much more ‘real’ to me when it is just me alone with my God.
In the stillness of the secret place I hear His voice so much more clearly than in all the distraction.
I want a deeper relationship with God too, Pastor J. Thank you for showing us that He wants this too! God bless you as you pray!
Amen. Deeper deeper in the love of Jesus daily let us go!
I want a deeper relationship with God as well, Pastor J. How encouraging this post is in knowing that God will never pack it in on us. Lord, I want to have a heart after Your own heart. Speak to me God and show me how to walk closer to you. Thank you, Pastor J I love this post.
I too am glad He never gives up! I am rather frustrating to live with I know!