Out Of The Rut...

I'm just going to come out and say it. I LOVE Michael Jr. I had the awesome fortune of getting to see him live this past December at Winter Conference and man, that guy loves him some Jesus. I love how heuses his gift to give laughs. Let's face it, we could all use more laughter in our lives. This video showcases some of the different "styles" of prayer that he's encountered. Don't lie, you know SOMEBODY who is at least one of these. And if not, well, it's probably you then. I'll admit it, I'm the one with the hands that get too moist, too fast (I promise I've never wiped my forehead with anybody else's hand though!)

The one that caught my attention was the "repeater". There are entire religions based off of pointless repetition. "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think they will be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7" When prayer is structured and regulated, you become like the pharisees who forsake a true relationship with Christ to follow tradition. When we pray, why don't we treat it like we would if we were talking to one of our mates? He longs to hear about our day. Our hopes, our fears, our deepest desires. Not because He needs to hear them from us, He already knows everything you could possibly tell Him. But for us to show Him our love and trust by talking to Him? That sounds like a true relationship to me. And the best part: it can be done at any time! We are instructed to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) and that's something I intend to work on. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not much of a talker. *insert derisive cough*  And unfortunately, that leaks into my prayer life. There are times when I don't even know where to start. "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26". I love that my God has prepared for every contingency. Don't know what to pray about? He's got some ideas for you. Honestly, how amazing is that?

It's for this reason that my heart breaks for those who are so wrapped up in tradition, making the Word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down (Mark 7:13). They've completely lost sight of what it's all truly about, being close with our Creator. We've become complacent. This, however, should never be tolerated. I went to a church for 4 years that personified complacency. They never bothered to read the Bible to test against what was preached for themselves. Content with milk, they never grew up to enjoy meat. If the pastor said it, it was considered true. I'm so glad I was brought out of there. That type of thinking poisons the mind, and looking back on my life, I can see all the symptoms during that exposure. Which would you rather have? Blind ignorance or a relationship that stood the test of being challenged and questioned. To quote a favorite old show, knowledge is power.

To me, tradition is the cloak of the complacent. You replace intimacy with routine. Are we not considered His bride? He deserves more than that. But now I must apologize. I've let my anger write my post, not my faith. Forgive me for being human, sincerely I hope you do.

Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

My "fixer" personality wants the situation remedied now. But God's timing is perfect. If we've fallen away, it makes His grace that much sweeter when He brings us back into His loving embrace.