When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Matthew 6:5-6 NLT
A few years back, I attended a retreat and witnessed many illustrations of God's Word. One in particular drove home the necessity of finding time to be alone with God and taking the time to hear Him.
One woman, Pat, was called from the rows of women and then told, "I have a Word from the Lord for you." She was asked to come to the front and sit in a chair to await God's Word. Then other women stood near to represent her husband, 3 of her grandchildren and 2 of her friends. On cue, the representatives all started talking to Pat - not yelling or clamoring - just all talking, as did the speaker who had the word from the Lord. On cue, everyone stopped talking and the speaker asked, "Did you hear what God said?" Pat, of course, did not.
The speaker instructed, "Try harder to hear what God is saying to you. Concentrate." So, on cue, the representatives all started talking to Pat again - not yelling or clamoring - just all talking, as did the speaker who had the word from the Lord. On cue, everyone stopped talking and the speaker asked, "Did you hear what God said this time?" She wanted to. She believed she would, but of course she didn't.
And neither can we unless we get alone with God and wait to hear His voice. He's speaking. Are you listening? Can you hear Him from where you are? If not, shut the door.
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word tells us to be still and know that You are God. Forgive us for all the times we thought You were silent. Help us to be ever mindful to be still so we can hear Your voice. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
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