140 character blip messages sent up to God throughout the day…
These are a good thing. Constant communication is often broken up into smaller communiques. Not every conversation you have with a loved one is long, drawn-out and heartfelt/passionate. Some are simple. Some are urgent. Some are passing. Some are amusing. Having this active in my life is a very good thing. It’s healthy.
What I realize, though, is that my “diet” of prayer cannot thrive and grow with only short spurts. The people that I respect and whom I realize have a rich prayer life – they spend quantity time with the Lord in prayer. Sometimes we need that … on a regular basis. There’s no reason for excuse for condemnation here, but meaningful conversation (talking and listening usually takes a little time. The “I’m in a hurry and this is all I can muster” is better than nothing, I’m sure, but it’s not the best it can be. All this busy-ness tends to mess us up. Sometimes we can’t help but be busy, but our bodies (and I’m sure our minds and spirit) also need rest. Quiet, contemplative times with the Lord are rich. They can be life-changing. One of the disciplines of the faith is prayer. Another is fasting. Neither of these are really learned in a “fast food” environment, so to speak.
There’s something wrong with beating ourselves up over being flawed or having short-comings. Or failure. But there’s also something wrong with giving up and “settling.” There’s more for us. There’s an abundant life that is attainable – and not just for the spiritual gurus who can fast for 7 days and who read great big, thick books like “The Spiritual Man” by Watchman Nee. By God’s grace (and clear, biblical invitation) it is ours for the taking. It can be discouraging to only or always hear criticism, but avoiding it all-together is short-changing a chance at growth. Isn’t that true?
I’m pointing the finger at myself, but if the shoe fits… Repent along with me!
Dear Father,
I’m sorry that my prayer life is often reduced to nothing more than brief little “tweets” I send up when I need a problem fixed for me or a friend. I don’t plan on stopping these short missives, but please draw me unto yourself and experience a deeper prayer life that is marked by intimacy. Thanks for not beating me up over flaws in my life, but drawing me on to something better. You are incredible. I love you.
Amen.
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