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Prayer, what a confusing thing.
Prayer, what a confusing thing. Is it for me or for God? Reading through the Psalms can cause me to be more confused about prayer than ever. What was David thinking when expressing himself to God?
Psalm 10:1
Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
Psalm 22:1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
Psalm 42:9
I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?"
Psalm 44:23-24
Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.
Why do you hide your face
and forget our misery and oppression?
Is prayer for me or for God? The answer is both.
These prayers have taught me that anything goes with God. I am his kid and he wants to hear what is on my mind and what I am struggling with? No pretense, no holy sacred words just raw emotion. I remember a time I was so angry with God that during a walk and prayer time I took the bible and kicked it across a field as I talked with my Heavenly Dad. I was so mad at God. I had it out with Him. That prayer was for me and for God. As a result of that prayer time He came and comforted and directed my life and I learned about His unconditional love. I learned he is such an approachable Father.
Thanks for sharing from your heart Rob on prayer
I’m glad you search scripture while I just do stuff. What a wonderful spectrum of light revealing the incredible character of God. Thanks, Rob.
Thank you, Rob!
Thanks Rob. I’m sure I won’t be able to shake the image of you kicking your Bible through a field! I agree that prayer is for both us and God. If you use the analogy of our earthly relationship with a parent, child, dear friend, or trusted companion…that relationship exists for so many reasons (to encourage, rebuke, correct, praise, teach, laugh, comfort, share life with, etc.). Prayer is the vehicle God has given us to sustain and flourish our relationship with Him. When I have an extended period of time that I am out of communication with my parents (or other trusted companions in my life), I feel that break in relationship and long to see it restored and renewed! It is the same with us and God. God has graciously given us the gift of prayer to allow us honest, loving communion with Him (something He desires and we were made for).
Prayer is the best mental health tool we have. God already knows what I am thinking before I say it. I on the other hand have to put what I am feeling and thinking into words before I realize what those thoughts and feelings are at times. The Psalms teach me so much about myself and who God truely is. God never left David. He molded him and made him into a useful tool God could use to save a nation, a world. Yes, prayer is for us and for God but I would say nothing surprised God.
Rob, thank you so much for this devotion! It seems that David’s trust in God and who He is allowed David the freedom to be so raw and honest before Him. Thank you for making me excited to read through the Psalms some more and learn more about communication with God.