SHUT UP AND PRAY!

Shut up and pray, it's important!  Prayer is our most important link to God so don't take it lightly.  But, for a change, stop jabbering at God with all your wants, sorrows and thanks, and let him get A word in now and then.  Chill out a little and just relax and let God speak to you.  You might be surprised at the inner peace contemplative prayer can bring to you.



GOT STRESS?
These days our lives are so stress filled we tend to carry that over into our prayer life.  We are so intent on telling God all the problems we have and what we are worried about that we don't always receive the peace that can and should come from our relationship with God.  OK, take part of your prayer time, stop talking AT God and let him get a word in.  Just shut your mouth, take a deep breath, relax and listen.  How do you expect to hear God's answer if you don't give him a chance to speak to you?


WANT SOME HELP?
Contemplative or "listening prayer" is a powerful way to help get the clutter and stress out of your life.  Isn't that something that is worth a try?  There is a wonderful DVD available on this subject.  It's title is from Psalm 46:10, "Be Still and Know That I am God". This is a wonderful experience on the subject and a lesson on how to basically strengthen your relationship with God and bring an inner peace to your life. Some of the presenters include Beth Moore, Dr. Henry Cloud, Max Lucado, Richard Koster, and others.  It is available through Christian Book Distributors online at Christianbook.com . I've used this DVD with my own small group at church and they loved it.


BATHROOM SANCTUARY
The key element in contemplative prayer and any prayer is finding a  certain time of the day, every day, where you can spend some time alone with God.  Oh sure! I have a family that is demanding my time and just where am I going to get the time and a place to do this?  Granted, it is not always easy if you work and then come home to a family and the duties of running a house.  But that is just the point,  you need to get a few minutes to yourself to spend with God.  If your life has you too stressed, you are not doing yourself or your family any favors being all up tight. So, make it clear that these few minutes are your time and you are not to be disturbed.  Yes, even if you have to resort to locking yourself in the bathroom to find a quiet moment.  If you are fortunate enough to live in a warm climate maybe a nice outside location or wherever you can find a few minutes of peace.  If your family isn't willing to honor this small request maybe it's time for a family meeting to discuss respect.


OK, SO NOW WHAT?
You have found your peaceful place, now what?  You probably have a normal prayer routine.  Maybe just take part of it, be quiet and listen.  Maybe even have some soft background music to help create a calm atmosphere. Just close you eyes, relax and let God guide your thoughts.  You might be surprised at what you learn about God and yourself.


IS THAT ALL THERE IS?
I'm not suggesting this as a substitute for your regular prayer routine
but something you incorporate into it.  Of course you want to pray to God and discuss your life with him.  You still want to study the Bible. I mean, after all, the Bible is our instruction manual for life.
The use of a daily devotional book or publication is sometimes helpful as well.  Personally, I love starting my daily prayers with reading the daily scripture and testimonials found in "The Upper Room".  We still need to bring our thanks for blessings, our concerns for others as well as our own personal concerns to God each day.  Just take a moment, for God to speak to you as well.
Relax and let God get a word in too. So, turn off the ipod and pull the ear buds out of your head, use whatever threat you feel is appropriate to keep the kids away for a few minutes, sit down, just chill and see if  you can tune in to God.  It's a great recipe for inner peace. Just remember the Psalm, " Be still, and know that I am God".


So what do you think?  What is your favorite way to listen to God?