This was originally published in 2008 by Alea.

Holy Heavenly Father, You alone can open our hearts and minds to know You and Your ways. Help us I pray, in Jesus Name, Amen. 

Have you ever walked over to a lake or smooth body of water just to look at yourself in its mirror-like reflection? Or pondered through observation the sun’s reflection emanating off the moon at night? Or caught a glimpse of life passing by in the reflection of glass windows? Some of the greatest writers, poets and philosophers have shared a unison value on taking the time to reflect on life situations, nature’s beauty, world events, etc. What this means is that they literally remove themselves from all distractions and find a place to be still, think, remember and react to themselves, what they’ve seen and the world they live in, learning from life.

What we spend the most time thinking on we become. Reflection is a communication of thoughts, reasoning, and ideas whether you’re by yourself or with others who are like-minded. It’s also a unique process of digesting the information one is focused on. In the Bible we find examples encouraging reflection and meditation of God’s Word in passages such as Psalm 1:1-2, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD; and in His Law doth he meditate day and night.” By reflecting on God’s Word we’re exposed to the very person of God. His Word helps us to know Him, His thoughts and His voice.   As in any relationship the more time we spend with someone the more we learn about who they are, the things they like or don’t like, and we easily recognize their voice as well as the little things they do that are uniquely them. Developing a relationship with God is not any different; we still need communication, communication, communication. 

God’s desire to be in relationship with us is pronounced clearly throughout His Word. What an incredible privilege it is that we can pray. Prayer has unfortunately come to be defined as a one-sided conversation. Many people find prayer threatening and scary. God doesn’t want us afraid to talk with Him or to listen for what He has to say. He’s not going to hurt us if we don’t say the words just right… would a loving person do that with a child learning to talk? Of course not! In fact one would continue to encourage the child, correct them when they are wrong, and take joy in every success of learning; how much more the Holy God who lovingly Created us. As we grow in knowing Him through His Word and prayer (having a conversation with Him) we learn that His ways and thoughts are much greater than our own. This leads to healthy maturing and transforms us more into a reflection of Him. A reflection of Him in the way we live, communicate and interact with others and Him.

During the process of maturing it’s important we learn to wait on God, being still in His presence, listening for Him and quieting our soul (mind and emotions). In Psalm 62:1 we read, “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from Him cometh my salvation.” God declares, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth,” Psalm 46:10, this is a huge announcement of God revealing Himself to all of us. Yes, God wants to visit with us to minister His love and healing, wisdom and counsel, everything that we need. In our frustrated, stressed out and endlessly busy society, listening, waiting and being still are not common practices. We encourage the practice of being in God’s presence and making Him the center of life. In Him we will find all that we need and more than we even begin to understand.

As we continue to grow in knowing Him we will discover His will is perfect, and provides an abundance of hope and blessing for us personally and for all His creation. Believing and trusting Him helps us to surrender and pray for His will to be done instead of our own. There is great wisdom in praying this way. Lord Jesus Christ Himself taught us the perfect format for prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”  Jesus goes beyond just a prayer format and points out that God is not looking for ritual, structure or repetition but for our hearts to be honest and in alignment with His will. He also knows when we’re just going through the motions or doing it to impress someone else. Jesus continues by instructing us to be a reflection of God by forgiving and loving others even as He does. God wants us to speak to Him from our hearts and to listen to His. We all want that in a healthy balanced relationship, don’t we? God is Holy in His passions and is moved to action by the passionate prayers of the righteous. Those prayers are effective and accomplish much as is written in James 5:16, concludes: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

The Father has made every provision for us. Through His whole person, God has revealed His immense longing to know and be known by us; God is our Father, our Savior Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah), and our Comforter Holy Spirit. All that He is works to help us know Him and His unconditional love and provision. Let us come to God, without fear, through Christ Jesus and in the power of His Holy Spirit. Let us come openly into an eternal conversation reflecting an intimate relationship with the Almighty God of all. Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Here’s a list of major points made to aide us in the reflection of God through prayer and living:

• We are all a reflection of something.
• Meditating on God’s Word transforms us and is important in knowing Him.
• Prayer is not a one-sided conversation but an amazing relationship dialogue.
• Life grows in stages, as do our relationships and spiritual journeys.
• God is patient with our growth. We should be as well.
• God wants us to share our hearts with Him and to Share His heart with us.
• Let God love you and don’t be afraid to love Him back.
• It’s important to learn to wait on God, to be still and to listen.
• As we learn who He is we also learn who we are from His point of view.
• Believing God at His Word enables us to trust and pray for His will to be done.
• Even though Jesus gave us the perfect format for prayer He makes it clear that God is more interested in your heart than formality.
• God is not deceived by phonies.
• God is moved by the fervent prayers of those who are righteous.
• God has Given all of Himself to help us to pray and know Him.

Let us be encouraged to come to Him as we are. We can even grab ourselves a nice cozy healthy drink, find a quiet place and have a good conversation with the Lord. It doesn’t matter where or when He’s always waiting to be with us.

What A Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Words by Jo­seph M. Scriv­en, 1855

Until next time...