I heard a sermon this morning from Charles Stanley that rang true this morning. How we as mortals sometimes get our focus and perspectives messed up. The subject was that of prayer, a gift that can correct this issue.
Prayer does many things, the first of which is correcting our relationship with the Lord. I do not mean just in spirit but also in status. He is perfect and good in every way, we are not. We need to be constantly reminded of this fact in order view ourselves in the proper light.
The second thing it does is reminds us that a price was paid so we can have communion with God. For since we are not perfect, we needed a conduit to enter his presence. Only through the blood of Christ, the spotless lamb can we achieve this. For Jesus said " I am the way the truth and the light, no man cometh to the father but by me."
And because we are relying on Christ, not ourselves or our works, we must cast off our pride when we pray. This in turn reveals our reliance on God for all of our needs; including our salvation, and at the same time confirms in our minds that he is the true provider of everything we have.
Lastly, we are humbled by the great divide that separates us. It is only when we recognize this vast difference in position that we can truly ask for forgiveness and anything else we may require. Being right with God, requires more than just a head knowledge that he sent his son to die on the cross. We must recognize in ourselves, our sinful nature and that without Christ we would never be able to reconcile to God. Prayer is a medium that takes what is in our heads and embeds the information into our heart. The conversation is not experienced; mind to mind, but heart to heart.
This understanding further reveals that prayer is another gift of God, which when applied regularly can increase our joy, release our convictions of sin, draw us closer to God and help us stay on the path of the righteous. May I remember that being on my bodies knees in the presence God raises my heart unto his in heaven.
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