In Praise of God

“Behold, he is praying.” These words reveal the state of Paul’s heart after his conversion on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:11) As we read his letters, it is quite obvious that prayer is one on the defining characteristics of this man of God. The fact that God has seen fit to include these prayers as a part of Scripture means that they are given to us, not for our “reading enjoyment”, but for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Well, I must admit that, until lately, I have not really thought of Paul’s prayers as given to “correct” or “reprove” me…and yet, how clear it is that they are exceedingly helpful in revealing where my prayers are misguided, weak, focused on worldly rather than spiritual priorities, and the like. And so, in the Bible study class I am currently teaching on the book of Colossians, we will be taking the second half of class for a lecture/discussion time on the prayers of Paul. I am anticipating a prayer-transforming time in these sections of Scripture and I would like to invite you to join us in this study on prayer by way of the audio available on this website. For the next eight weeks, lectures should be available online each Thursday afternoon or early evening. If you would like the seven-page handout which will be used over the course of the lectures, it is available here.

If you have any questions, you can comment on the blog or email me: kristiegant@inpraiseministries.com. I am greatly excited about this study! May our prayers be so transformed that we will, more and more, be known as women of prayer!

Recently, I was asked to share what I do when I do not feel close to God.   In the hope that you may be encouraged (as I was as I formed my answer), here is how I responded.

When I find myself not feeling close to God…

First, I remind myself that this is a frailty common to man, and while it should not be treated lightly, it is not unexpected.   God will work this, too, for my good!

Next, I thank God for making me aware of this lack of closeness and causing me to care about it (because I know there are many who are not close to Him and do not even realize it or care much).   As I pray, I recall former times when there was a sweet intimacy and I ask Him to work in my heart, pulling me away from whatever is currently usurping or disturbing my affections, and again moving my heart toward Him.

I read works written by people who know/knew God well.  I find many Puritan works especially helpful, such as those by John Bunyan, John Flavel and Jeremiah Burroughs.

I spend time meditating on the greatness of God–          

His sovereignty

His power

His love for His people

Etc.

I tell someone close to me, such as my husband, how I am feeling and ask him to pray for me (sometimes I will ask a few others as well).

I review all I’ve learned from the psalmists who felt far away from God.  I read and reread psalms such as Psalm 73, 77 and 88 and review the notes I made when I first studied and wrote lessons on these psalms.

Finally, I wait on God.  Intimacy with God is not just something I can wish into being or produce on my own . . . as with everything else, it is a gift from God.  I know He is faithful and will bring me into greater intimacy with Himself in His own timing.  So, as I thankfully and expectantly wait,  I do the things I know to do which foster intimacy (Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, confession, talking about God with others, etc.) and I constantly remind myself that even though I do not feel close to God, He is close . . . and my lack of feeling does nothing to diminish the reality of His care and love for me.