S196P20 – Growth spurts: prayer

Eph. 6:17-20

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Conversation was scarce in the beginning of their relationship.  Both being of a very shy nature, most of their chatting happened over a screen.  The evenings during which they would share dinner began to open up the dialogue a little bit, but it still took time.  As they grew closer together and their relationship deepened, those walls began to fall.  Not only were they more comfortable simply conversing, but those talks became more intimate and open.  Trust was being built there along with confidence and security.  Each was still enamored by the other, but the initial shyness had worn off.  As they grew in their relationship, they grew in their communication.  Then, as they grew in their communication, they grew further in their relationship.  It was a beautiful cycle which served to bring them closer and closer together. 

Our prayers in the Spirit are about a lot more than just asking God to accomplish things for us and his kingdom.  The time we spend in communion through prayer is also about strengthening our relationship with the Father.  Like any relationship, it will not survive without communication.  As we pray and speak with our Father, we learn more and more of him and his nature.  We start to absorb that nature, and we are changed gradually.  Where we once might have been apprehensive to go to him when we are in need, we become comfortable with seeking his provision.  Where we might have been scared to lay our transgressions at his feet and seek forgiveness, we eventually go running for that grace.  The growth in our communication with God through prayer is growth in our relationship with him.

We are instructed to pray always, to pray without ceasing, because that is the ultimate goal for our lives here.  We want the kind of relationship in which we are constantly in communion with the Father.  We do not want to have moments when that communication breaks down or stops for a period.  The goal is for the relationship to strengthen over time and the communication to increase along with that progress.  Continual prayer means that God is always on our minds, and that kind of living will serve to keep us on the narrow path.  Let us work toward always being in communion with our Lord.  Father, give us the boldness to seek You in all things and at all times, and instill in us the desire to strengthen our relationship with You by strengthening our prayer life.