We took to our knees late that evening, tired from the length of the day. One of us, a stay-at-home mom, had four little ones not far away who were heading to bed following Daddy’s stories. The other, a schoolteacher, with her own brood tucked into the covers as well. And, last but not least, our single friend with the budding career, who drove to meet us near our homes. All of us from a different walk of life and diverse callings, but gathering together to intercede for what He had laid upon our hearts.
Sometimes the knees just feel right. The heart is moved in such a way that humility is the emotion of the moment and there’s no place else we feel at home than down there…to get up close.
Why it took so long…I’ll never know.
As a kid, the trees were my place of prayer. I’d climb so high up, thinking no one could hear me. But I often wonder to this day if my mom could make out my muffled requests to a God I didn’t know.
But I grew. Clueless and careless and missing all the important beats that would keep me in step to a faith that would set a rhythm to my selfish life. And when adulthood slipped up on me, just as easily as if He moved cross-country, I lost His address and filled up my life with other people and other things.
Years passed and the moment came when Jesus and I became genuinely acquainted. I devoured His word, making up for lost time. But all of that studying couldn’t enlighten me enough to the true power of prayer. My words to Him became either stifled or rushed and often never bearing my heart. I was bursting of knowledge, but like a fully loaded vehicle, I had an empty tank of gas.
I was going nowhere.
And then a bomb dropped. Someone asked the question that altered my universe, “What’s your prayer life like?”
I knew the saying: God’s word on the left, prayer on the right…like the wings of a bird that keep it in flight.
I remember it well and the expression that sat rather firmly upon her face. This woman could see into my soul at the list of withheld conversations I kept down deep, unwilling to hand over to Him. It was a tough realization.
I was a flightless bird.
In my mind, it was just so much easier to be grateful than to ask Him for anything.
Did I think He wouldn’t hear me? Not really.
Did I think He wouldn’t deliver? Maybe.
Was I just hoping to hear His voice audibly and frightened at the possibilities or lack-thereof? I don’t know. Yes.
As if her question held God’s divine power behind it, my senses soon became heightened to answered prayers…everywhere.
I was no longer walking through life approaching my Savior with all the appeal of a bowl of cold oatmeal. I was captivated by the very essence of growing closer to Him through spoken words…far beyond my idea of just gleaning knowledge of His character through written words.
Prayer was the catalyst to the relationship! But it wasn’t something that just happened. I had to invest in it. I had to be all in. A regular contributor. Just me and Him…
- It deepens our love for God as we allow His presence into every area of our lives.
- It deepens our love for our neighbors as we intercede before the throne on their behalf.
In the story of The Great Commandment, Jesus is asked of which is the greatest of those commandments. His response is written in Matthew 22:37-39…
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Prayer is, quite simply, the stepping-stone to the two greatest commandments we can ever keep, and our devotion is key to a life of close relationship with Him.
I invite you today to leave your prayer requests in the comments below and to take a knee as you pray for the sister in front of you. This is Kingdom work, ladies. And one that truly delivers a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Linking up with the following authors this week:
Holly S. Barrett for Testimony Tuesday
Jennifer Dukes Lee for #TellHisStory
Holley Gerth and Coffee For Your Heart
I’m slowly learning how to balance prayer and knowledge too– funny how we so easily miss the connection when we’re younger. And I’m writing this quote down –> “God’s word on the left, prayer on the right…like the wings of a bird that keep it in flight.” because I’ve never heard it before! I started praying with a friend once a week last year and it’s been one of the best years of my life for sure– not that every prayer has been answered or that it’s all been smooth sailing, but the deepening relationship that it’s drawn me to in my private prayer life has been unreal. ♥ Amen Jennifer, thank you!
For the longest time I truly wanted to pray alone and keep things to myself. And now I know it had more to do with the bit of shame I felt for stifling my prayers than anything else. Praying with friends is an eye-opening experience where we truly see the movement of God when two or more are gathered together. Thank you for visiting today, Heather!
What a lovely post, rich descriptions and rich truth! I love your many encouragements to pray and how your senses became ‘heightened’ as you began praying. Glad I am your neighbor at Jennifer’s! Blessings!
Thank you so much for the encouragement and for stopping by today, Sandra!
Good thoughts Jennifer, I had never heard of the bird thought. I tend to be more of a “flightless bird” then. I know what I need to do & don’t always follow through. I have never liked praying out loud (I think I sound “horrible”).
Thanks for sharing.
Shirley, I always had some issues with audible prayer, as well. Not so much in my alone time, but in a group. I’m much better with a pen and writing my prayers…but I’ve found that if I just be real and speak what’s on my heart – no matter how I might sound – that’s all He wants. My realness.
Such a great reminder that prayer is our lifeline!
Thank you for visiting, Elizabeth!
What a beautiful post on prayer. It took me years to get comfortable praying and even more to have the faith that God cared about my prayers. It took seeing for myself some answered prayers to make my faith grow and my prayer life more consistent.
Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Alecia. Everything you said is so true for myself, as well.
It’s are biggest battleground, isn’t it, Jennifer. Thank you for these inspiring and encouraging thoughts. Have a blessed day!
Thank you for visiting today!
Just this, I love this post. Your story captured me, pulled me in, and reminded me of the richness God calls us to. With you in bended heart today.
Thank you, Jolene. This was a post I wrote several months ago and just didn’t have the courage to post. Sometimes it’s hard to admit those missing links, but it’s been on my heart to peel back some layers and share more of my struggles online. Pray for me, sister? Thank you so much for stopping by.
I’d like to ask prayer that my daughter have a divine encounter. She is a believer, but is struggling on the edge of a much-needed breakthrough.
Marianne, I am hearing you loud and clear on this one. I’ve been here on several occasions. I will pray for her now.
Thank you!