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Warren W. Wiersbe, in Be Loyal, writes, “Prayer prepares us for the proper use of the answer.” I have often heard talk about prayer and answer to prayer. Likewise, among these talks is often the common question, “Why doesn’t God answer all our prayers?”
Prayer is not meant to be just a rational imparting of information from the one praying to the Spirit. Rather, like the dynamic interplay of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, prayer is part of our making love with the Divine.
Wiersbe reminds us of how the relational aspect of prayer prepares us to receive the answer to prayer. Without this preparation we would often not be prepared to receive the answer.
However, how does prayer prepare us for the answer? Through the interactions and love making of a beloved and love, the two are prepared for greater responsibility to and enjoyment of the relationship. The process of relationship itself is preparatory for deeper, more whole experiences of love and loving.
In praying, if we are praying as participating with God and God with us in the prayer as relationship, something wonderful happens. We are transformed through this union in prayer. We are readied to be truer to the actions that will honor the relationship. Much of what we wanted before changes, and with it our prayers take on new purpose and content.
Spiritual Exercise
1. Do you recall prayers that were not answered until you were ready?
2. How do you listen to God in prayer?
3. What does it mean to say “Prayer-As-Relationship”?
4. Do you see yourself growing in your prayer life? How?
5. Do you pray with others? How does that compare with your private prayer?
6. How is our relationship with God like that between two lovers deeply in love?
7. What are some relational images of God that enrich your devotional life?
Prayer
Spirit of Christ, thank you for the time we spend together, learning to be together, learning to love each other. Renew me in love, this day, and let me be assured that all is well and will be well. Amen.
*Brian K. Wilcox
OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spiritual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, write Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at briankwilcox@comcast.net.
Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union, can be ordered through major bookdealers.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the
United Methodist Church
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