Tone of Prayer

2 Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. 3 For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.

Ecclesiastes 5:2-4

The Bible is full of people making foolish statements resulting in much suffering and even death. John the baptist was beheaded because Herod spoke without thinking (Matthew 14). Samson gave away the secret to his power. We today do it as well. Our tongue can hurt or build up but another thing it can do is corner us into a situation that we cannot escape.

God is warning us that we also do this in His presence. We can be impulsive with what we say to Him. I don't think this means we can't share our innermost thoughts and desires with Him, for He instructs us into a relationship where we can voice our frustrations and lean on Him. I think the issue here is our attitude when we speak. We can come frustration, we can come ignorant, we can come tired and weak. But what we cannot come with is a heart tries to force God into anything. We approach God on His throne! Think of approaching the president of the United States. Even if he says to relax and fellowship there's still that level of respect that should never cease... even more so with the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Most of my prayers lately have been about having a baby and direction in my career. I've been more deliberate in my requests be I need to be careful of not pushing into disobedience. I catch myself praying too selfishly and pull back but I can definitely see the grey area and adjust my heart.

This reminds me of a conversation I had about the group IHOP, Internatonal House of Prayer. I didn't think much of it before, thought that it was a great Christian group getting together in prayer. But I was informed that they pray but the things they were praying about was almost cult-ish. They were putting demands on God, instructing Him what He should do instead of requesting and laying it before Him in faith. Our motives to pray is to deepen our relationship with Christ Jesus and to work towards spreading the gospel to all nations... if our prayers benefit selfish ambitions we really need to step back and realign ourselves with our Maker.

Glorious and Almighty God, thank You for prayer and an invitation to deepen our relationship with You. Forgive me of all my selfish prayers and desires. Lord, help me to redirect my thoughts and heart towards the things that please You. Lead me away from prayers that lead to self-empowerment and pride. Lord, allow me to seek You continuously no matter what the situation. In the most loving and graceful name, Jesus, I pray, amen.



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