Pray

The writer of Hebrews describes God as a “consuming fire.” What does he mean by that?

Far too many Christians today are all about wanting the awe. They just don’t have much interest in the Scripture, fellowship, communion, and prayer part. Today’s passage reminds us that God leads us to awe…through the basic disciplines of the faith. 

No wonder the people were filled with awe and praised God! You’d have praised God right along with them had you been part of the crowd. But wait ... you are a part of that crowd today. So don’t get stuck in thinking God's praiseworthy power and authority is limited to physical healing.

Every believer needs a time of refreshment. The journey is long with many uphill climbs. Like the psalmist says, our soul thirsts for God “as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). There are days when we need renewal.

Why don’t people spend more time talking with God? Why don’t I spend more time talking with God? We can all give our excuses, but at the end of the day, we must make time to speak and listen to our heavenly Father. Jesus made this his priority early in the morning. 

Years ago, I spoke at a Missions Conference and a missionary there gave me a guide for prayer that ended with—listening. For years I kept that guide in my Bible. So simple, yet such a great reminder that meaningful conversation is both speaking and listening. We are taught that in the Old Testament. 

Have you ever heard someone pray and pray and pray, and you wondered to yourself if the prayer would ever end? Yeah, me too. That’s not to say all long prayers are bad. There are plenty of inspired drawn-out prayers in Scripture. The problem occurs when we think that length equals quality. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded us that a simple conversation with God can be powerful.  

As we begin a new year, let’s focus on learning how to talk with God. That’s what prayer is—simply talking with God. So, for the next thirty days let’s work together to develop a more powerful prayer life. I know that’s one thing I really need.

According to his perfect will, we can trust him to lead us on the right path.