More Scooby Snacks Please!

This week we are continuing our study on prayer. With the exception of our understanding of the Holy Spirit, I would argue prayer is one of our weakest areas in the church. Many don’t understand it, some don’t do it, and others get beat up when they talk about it. Many of us are very comfortable with the idea of talking to God, asking God for help, asking God for guidance, or telling God what we think He should do. But we get a little edgy when someone talks about meditation, listening, or waiting when it comes to prayer. And because these things get a bad wrap in many of our churches, I think we miss out on what prayer is supposed to be.

My three-year-old daughter, Macie, is quite the character. She talks all the time, and I mean ALL the time. Recently, I have been enjoying sitting down with her and just listening. We turn the TV off and see where the conversation takes us. Sometimes it’s Never Land and sometimes it’s Cinderella’s castle. Other times it’s about Jesus making the beautiful sky and the birds. Then at times it’s a world I’m unaware of, kind of like Narnia. Macie’s mind is full of creativity and it’s truly a joy to have talk time with her. One of the best things about our conversations is that God has been using them to make me realize many things about prayer and my relationship to Him.

Far too often I fall into the rut of praying my wish list and asking God’s blessing on my food. It’s almost like I’m reading from a script, like a to-do list for God. But during my talk times with Macie, I realize there is so much joy and love that can be shared during a conversation. Sometimes Macie wants Scooby Snacks, which are little gummy fruit bites. I’m happy to get them for her because I love her and I want to see her happy. But I’m so glad our relationship isn’t just her talking to me when she needs something. And I have a feeling that God values spending time with His children in the same way.

Just calling on God when I need something cheapens our relationship and causes me to miss out on so much of what my loving Father wants to give me. So our question this week is, “How do I know He hears my prayers?” Well the answer is simple: He hears your prayers if He is your Father. I would never turn my ears off to the tender voice of my daughter; there’s something in me that won’t allow it. I have to think God wired me that way for a reason. And if I’m that way even with all my humanness getting in the way, how much more is He like that? If you know Jesus as Savior and have a relationship with God then you can know He hears your prayers because you are His child.

Spend some time this week talking to your Father. Talk about your life, your world, and then spend some time listening as He teaches you about His world and how He sees things. Get away, find some quiet, and just rest in conversation with Him. You might find out that prayer is a bit different than what you have been experiencing. If you spent more time talking with Him and less time preparing His to-do list, you may just hear Him reply.

What do you think? What has God revealed to you this week about your prayer life? He has to reveal things to you first before you can lead your class. Make sure you are spending time with Him, not just preparing for Sunday but actually spending time with Him.