Ed Christian's World

In my post Solitude I discussed the importance of prayer and the importance of seclusion where we can experience His presence and hear His answers. Today I want to reflect on some on these points and revisit the reasons behind them.
Through prayer I have learned never to underestimate the power of God!

His compassion and love is overwhelming to us here on earth, but it is through His love we are even here. He is the referee of our troubled hearts and the source of all our joy.

Prayer is our medium to talk with Him and the gentle whispers and nudges come from Him in answer. He will listen to our cries of sorrow and the tears of joy. He is always there to provide an answer or a path of guidance and He never turns a deaf ear.

Paul encouraged the Colossians to “continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).

Our prayers are a powerful force in the universe!

But he reminds us that faith and love are essential to each other and that we may not forget the Golden Rule. In the Sermon on the Mount, when speaking of the sixth commandment Jesus taught his disciples that acceptable worship of the Father was impossible if everything was not right with one’s brother.

After having taught us to pray,

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,”

Christ added,

“If you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

I am reminded of my younger days when grandfather would tell me:

“Just because you don’t see His hand, don’t question His plan.”

God has a plan for each and everyone of us, we just have to be patient and listen to what He whispers to our hearts.

In the bible every time Jesus prayed he went away from the crowd and prayed in seclusion. We are instructed in the bible to pray in a closet or some other place of privacy. The reason for doing this is so we can hear what His answer is. When He whispers in your ear or into your heart, it is best to be in a quiet place so you have no distractions from hearing His words.

Are you willing to find some silence in the day where you take the time to be with God? Are you prepared to follow Christ’s example and like him want to pray unceasingly?

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)

For me this has been the most efficient way to talk with God. He is always there to guide my every move and I am always looking for ways to share the blessings He has given me. We are in continuous conversation with each other.

At the close of the parable of the unmerciful servant, He applies His teaching in the words,

“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (Matthew 18:35).

Throughout the day we can ask God for guidance. When we come to a rough area it is Him we may trust and count on. He leads us through it. Let prayer be a continuous conversation. Come to see that His answers are always within reach.

The importance of listening can not be overstated. He is always there and always has the correct answer.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

Having the advantages of growing up on an Indian Reservation, I know the importance of Solitude, especially when you are looking for answers to your prayers. The bible tells us to hide in a closet while we pray or to pray in secret, but doesn’t really explain why that is necessary.

Grandfather would always have me go find a quiet place in the canyon when I came to him for answers telling me the answer is there I just have to listen to it. As a small child, I didn’t understand his statement. Now as an adult I have found more truth and understanding in the reality of his words. The answers are right there if you are willing to listen and it is so much easier to hear them in quiet Solitude.

Bob Dylan wrote a song on the early sixties called “Blowing In The Wind” which tells us the answers to our long standing questions are out there but just out of reach. In reality they were within reach but we didn’t listen for them.

Prayer is a private conversation between you and God. He listens and then answers according to your needs. Many times the answer is just a soft whisper in your ear, which is why He says pray in Solitude so you can hear the answer. Yes, sometimes the answer is not what you want to hear, but as you continue down the path the reason becomes much clearer.

I have listened to many people complain that prayer is useless because they never get answers to theirs. I tell them it is important to listen more and talk less for the answer may come as a soft whisper in their ear.

I am an early riser, so I use the early morning Solitude for my conversation with God. We cover a wide range of subjects and He fills my day with hope, peace and love.

Throughout the day I ask for guidance when I come to a rough area and He leads me through it. To me prayer is a continuous conversation and His answers are always within reach. The importance of listening can not be overstated. He is always there and always has the correct answer.

If you find it hard to find the answers to your prayers, try finding a little solitude, a quiet place where you can have a private conversation and listen for that whisper. He always answers. You will find a new world of peace in your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love,

Ed