GOD DESIRING OUR ATTENTION.
I had the privilege to partake in this year's HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL and my experience among the pilgrims to the holy land exhibited the typical attitude of many Nigerian Christians in respect to prayers. We consider Christianity as utilitarian, something that can get us whatever we want or desire.
It has been observed that our prayers are more directed at getting something from God rather than an avenue to commune with God, hear Him speak to us about His plans and programs, and enjoy His fellowship among other things.
Whenever some Nigerian Christian has the opportunity to pray, he feels that God is under obligation to hear him speak first and only, rather than God speak to Him. We thunder at God , pray all manners of prayers and even dare to give Him time limits under which He must perform. But one thing we fail to do is to listen to God speak to us. We fail to realize that prayer is essentially communication, a dialogue between two individuals who talk to one another. Prayer for many of us has become a one way communication, wand we are the only one talking.
I had the opportunity to share in a morning devotion with the pilgrims in my group after I observed the way and manner in which they threw themselves on the floor at every holy site during the pilgrimage. No doubt, we had all come to the holy land with our different expectations and grayer needs. There are those in dire need of one miracle or the other. Others are in need of major breakthroughs or turn around in their lives. Yet others I spoke to came for healing for themselves or loved ones.
Many brought photographs of loved ones who had particular ailments or needs and they believed the pilgrimage will work instant miracles once they touch these hallowed grounds. I made them to realize that more than they getting their prayer answered, God may have deliberately included them on the pilgrimage list in order to get their attention.
Back at home, we are so preoccupied with daily grinds that we find it difficult to hear God speak to us.
Our churches and clergymen make matters worse by filling every day of the week with church programs and activities that there is hardly anytime for personal interaction and fellowship with God.
The art of quiet devotion and mediation seems to be missing in our Christian walk. As a result, we become so dependent on what the man of God says rather than cultivating fellowship with God and hear Him speak to us directly as a Father to His child. God desires to speak and it is important that we listen to God, because a word dropped into our spirit by God may make all the difference and be the solution to all of our needs.
Citing the book of Habakuk 2:1-3, the prophet in desiring that God speak to him and His particular situation said, ' I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.' Habakuk had complained to God about the injustice, corruption and wickedness in His country.
God responded that He will send the Babylonians to chastise the Israelites. Habakuk in response, could not understand why God would send a more terrible nation to punish Israel. He continued in His dialogue with God and resolved to hear God speak again to him concerning his concerns And God did.
It is desirable that we pray, but it is imperative that we hear God speak to us in our prayers. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says..
Rev. Christopher Aigbadumah, Phd.Moderator, New Height Baptist Association; andSnr Pastor, Living Souls Baptist Church, Agabara.
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