I love the Old Testament.  Reading it.  Studying it.  Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the ‘Torah’,  the Law of Moses.  It contains three of Moses’ sermons.  Moses talks about communication between God and His people.  One aspect  would be prayer.  Talking openly with our Lord.  God loves to hear from us.  After all, who are we?  We’re His own dear children!  He loves it when we take time for Him.  Like when we get to spend time with our children.  Play games with our grandchildren.  Just to be with them.

As we get older, the communication-well seems to dry up quite easily.  Even with friends.  Not as much contact.  The beauty of our relationship with God, is that it never has to run dry.  If anything, our spiritual life can become more robust the older we become.  He’s always there.  24/7.  365.  Even during leap year!  Eager to hear from us.

Don’t worry about the words you use, as if a certain formula is required.  Be yourself.  However, be respectful…we are in the presence of Holy God.  I remember a pastor, preaching on prayer, saying that if you used certain words or phrases, he could guarantee God’s answer.  Guess he never read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount?  He warned us– ‘…empty phrases…for they think that they will be heard for their many words.  Do not be like them…'(Matthew 6: 7-8).  Then He gives His followers a very concise prayer, the Lord’s Prayer.   The first half is simply praise to God.   The second half, requests.  Short and sweet.

What’s important is knowing that God really cares.  He listens.  No matter if His answer is ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or  ‘wait a little longer’.   What we must never forget is that He loves us and wants the very best for us.  Hang on to that no matter what.  His answer is on the way.  No doubt about it.

But, wait a minute!  What about that gem unearthed from the mines of Deuteronomy?  Where is it?   Look at Deuteronomy 4: 7.  Have you found it?  Talk about a gem!  Here it is–‘What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him?’   Told you so!  Whenever we pray, whatever feeble and inadequate words we use, God hears us.  He’s closer than the closest relationship we can have here on earth.  Much closer.

Let me ask you a question–if this is so, and it is, then why don’t we spend more time in prayer?  Why?  Don’t have a good reason?  Neither do I.  So, let’s pray!  Remember this:  please don’t believe in the power of prayer.   No, believe in the One who has the power to answer our prayers!  He is our Lord God Almighty!

Prayer:  Lord, we come to you and pray to you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.