The Part of Prayer We Often Forget
“But I have calmed and quieted my soul…” (Psalm 131:2)
There are several famous Christians in church history, biblical figures, and other members of the faith who are known for spending a long time in prayer. They note how valuable it is to be in communication with God and carve out that time daily for their source of joy, even hours at a time.
However, if we are honest, many of us are left wondering how they are able to talk for so long. When we discuss prayer, often, our attention is focused on what we say to God.
Certainly, this is a very significant part of investing in our relationship with the Lord. Our Heavenly Father wants us to pour out our hearts. To offer thanksgiving, praise, and tears of grief are all dear to the heart of God. The words we say to God with a sincere heart are itself an act of surrender.
But there is another part of prayer that is not talked about as often.
The importance of listening to God.
The psalmist David is a wonderful example of cultivating a healthy prayer life with God. His psalms, a key part of Scripture, reveal a dynamic relationship where David poured out his entire heart before the Lord. He adored God in praise, lifted up thanksgiving, and allowed his tears to be brought before the gentle, loving Father.
At the same time, David also acknowledged the value of stilling his heart before his Maker, quietly listening in anticipation.
“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.O Israel, hope in the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore.”Psalm 131:1-3
Verse 1 reveals the humility of David’s heart. He was not lifted high and proud but knew that he depended on the God He served, as we all are. He was not trying to play God in his own life but recognized himself as human, crafted and sustained by the sovereign God.
David compared himself to a child sitting with their mother, as a little one needs to be close to their caregiver. In the same way, we need to simply sit with the Lord and take time to be in His presence and listen to what He is saying.
And what flows from being still before the Lord? Hope. The last verse speaks of the hope that is found by dwelling with our Father.
We do not have to try and fix everything ourselves, but rather we can go to the Lord in prayer. When it begins and ends with our own abilities or strength, we are bound to get discouraged. But when we recognize who our God is and serve and place our trust in His care, that is where hope can be found.
Being still is an act of surrender. It looks like laying aside our agenda and plans and allowing God to speak into our life. In action, it is a declaration that investing in our relationship with God is an essential part of our day. It directs our focus and reveals what our priorities ought to be. We were made for more than just surviving. We were made to know our God, and lift His name up in everything we do, whether we are setting the table for our family, running a business, or shepherding a flock in ministry.
As you go about your week, I pray that you will be encouraged to spend time in God’s presence and quiet your soul. Whether you are going on a walk, having a cup of tea in the morning before your children go to school, or taking the time to study God’s Word in the evening, may you be blessed by taking the time to listen to what the Holy Spirit may be saying to you.
Blessings,
