First and Greatest. . .
November 10, 2009
. . Talking to people about God is a great thing. But talking to God about people is even better. . EM Bounds.
It was like being hit in the face with a 2×4. How many times do we need to hear about the significance/effectiveness/power/peacefulness/help of prayer before we do it regularly?? Once I heard that quote in church, I went home and researched tons of other quotes about prayer. They were astounding! All of these leaders who professed that they could never even imagine beginning their day without hours of prayer! How often do we as busy Americans, devoted students, loving parents etc. say “My day is horribly busy. What can I cut out of it?” Working out, sleeping, and time with God will inevitably get the axe first. But if God’s first and GREATEST commandment to us is that we love Him with all of our hearts, all of our soul and all our mind, why does this fall to the way side? We are all constantly making GREAT strides to follow God’s other commands. I will drink less. I will watch my mouth. I will try harder to think only pure thoughts. Those things are great and honor God with our lives. . . But are we ignoring his FIRST and GREATEST commandment?
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:36-38
Be still and know that He is God today. . . (Psalm 46:10)
Posted by Valerie Ryan at 3:42 pm
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So good! I fail at this quite often, but one thing that helps me to learn to pray more often is to realize how much I should praise Him for all the blessings. That becomes a good catalyst for me to get going on a good prayer. I also think that people have more time than they realized to pray, they just don’t recognize it. If God were to be sitting next to you and going everywhere with you for a whole day seeing every move you make and every word you say I’m sure you’ll find yourself talking to him more than you ever realize throughout that day. So why not turn that around into prayer?! It’s just a conscious thing in my opinion.
Thanks Val for posting this! I like being reminded like that.
Comment by Lance — November 12, 2009 @ 2:19 pm