GodReflection: Power Words

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; – Psalms 95:6

I can’t fully comprehend it.

I’ve lived in its presence for six decades. I’ve read multiple books and articles on the subject. I’ve listened to countless sermons crafted to explain it. I’ve read Scripture repeatedly. Yet, prayer remains wrapped in mystery.

My dad pronounced the exact same blessing at every occasion around the family meal table.

At church assemblies, I would stay irreverently ahead by a word or two as each man prayed his memorized prayer. After ten or fifteen years—even I had memorized the content of each participant. I could have stood in for any of them without missing a word.

I’ve experiences prayer peaks and prayer valleys. I join the multitudes that live in guilt as they wish to make prayer a meaningful experience.

I am beginning to see to pray is to worship.

Here is what I think.

I suspect Jesus conversed easily with his mother—especially as a little boy. From the first warm cuddle in Mary’s arms she must have told him consistently of his special origin.

My guess is that Jesus grew up in conversation with his Father God just as he grew up in conversation with his mother Mary and his carpenter father Joseph.

My dad was my friend. I knew him. Throughout his lifetime we talked freely. When there was nothing to talk about we sat in comfortable silence. I always knew he was available as a friend and ready to help as a father.

Throughout his life on earth Jesus worshiped his Father by honoring Him with his presence. He knew God. They talked freely.  I picture Jesus sitting with his heavenly Father in comfortable silence. Jesus out on the mountain side—God as close as the air. Jesus knew Father God as a friend and as one upon whom he could rely.

Jesus taught his disciples to count upon their Heavenly Father for good gifts given from deep love. He taught them of His divine availability. They could visit with Eternal God at any time just as if they were it in a private closet.

The apostle Paul understood.

In his letters as he writes along he often stops—acutely aware of the presence of God—and draws his Father into the letter.

Now, back to where I started.

What if I could get over my need to ask God for things that He already promises me He will freely supply?

I have His presence, His care, His forgiveness, and His blessings.

I love the imagery of Exodus 33:11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

Is it possible for me to feel that free in my walk with God?

Might I define prayer as a state of mind that strives to remain in the presence of the Holy?

What if I were to think of prayer as a 24/7 act of worship rather than as a scheduled encounter?

So all through the day I bow my heart rather than my head as both verbally and silently I worship the Creator and honor Him in conversation.

I thank Him for my wife, my children, and my home.

An email or phone call arrives from a dear friend. Quickly I thank God.

I drive by a church building and thank God for the good He is doing in the surrounding area through a group of people I don’t even know.

I hear of unspeakable disasters and let God know my heart is with His—even as I am at a loss for understanding and see no way I can help.

As I proceed through my day I encounter acts of un-grace and affirm my forgiveness as God forgives me. I pledge anew to return grace for ungrace.

The word pray emerges as a power word of worship.

Prayer is no longer limited to a day-starter, a night ritual, an isolated activity at a meal or restricted to a corporate worship setting. It is conversation.

To prayer becomes my constant expression of worship. Prayer is worship.

To pray without ceasing plugs me directly into God’s voltage and power results.

Stay tuned.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells – A GodReflection on Pray as a Power Word of Worship.

Gary@GodReflection.org