Bible Reading: John 8:47
When you begin a relationship with a person, it is natural to want to talk to that person and to hear what that person has to say. It would be impossible to have a
relationship with another person if the two of you didn’t communicate regularly.
Prayer, our sixth Christmas “Aftershock” is the communication that we have with God. As Christians, believers in Jesus Christ, our Savior who was born on that first Christmas, we need to have regular appointments with God, times when we talk to Him and allow Him to speak to our hearts.
This communication is more than asking God for things. Bible verses like Matthew 7:7 teach that we are to ask God for the things we need. However, there is more to prayer than that. John 8:47 tells us this about communicating with God: “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” In other words, prayer also includes listening to God. Prayer recognizes God’s authority over our lives. It acknowledging that we trust God to do what is best for us and will never ask more of us than He is capable of helping us do.
Prayer, like regular Bible reading and the other Christmas “Aftershocks” are aftershocks to claiming Jesus as our Lord and Savior because they come after we are saved from our sin and continue to reverberate throughout our lifetimes. They are important to our spiritual growth and the growth of our relationship with Jesus.
Are you communicating with God regularly? Are you speaking with Him and listening to Him, too?
“[Jesus said], My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27 & 28
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be a better listener when You are speaking. In Jesus’ name. Amen.