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Pray Like a Caged Bird!

Prayer has been a tough journey for me. I most often am weary in prayer, not fully understanding the point: if God is leading all things to their end, what is the need for prayer? But the "God" I refer to with that sentiment is a far off God who does not need prayer. However, the God of the Bible does use prayer. And desires prayer.

Prayer is our way to connect with God. And therein, perhaps, lies the real rub. Do I believe that I will hear from God, that in prayer, I will actually connect with the God of the universe. I am not the only one to ask this question:

Is the reason, we're not still to hear You, because we don't believe You will, in stillness and simplicity ~Michael Card. 
Though, I am finding little solace in that right now. But some.

My trouble these days has been hearty belief. There is a nagging doubt in, well, all of it, that has kept me grounded. And that's probably a good thing. But, I pray that I wait upon the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). I can hear Eugene Peterson also calling to Jeremiah 12:5. By His grace, I will run with horses, Brother Peterson!

Lord Jesus, You give us promises to rely on, to strengthen us when things look bleak. I have not heard from You in a way that I want, but can I learn to hear from You in the way that You want? In the way You are guiding me? Teach me to pray, Lord Jesus. Teach me to listen. Teach me how to be connected to You and the Father through the Spirit. I pray not for technical flourish, but for flight nonetheless. Do birds think about flight when they are flying, or do they think about what they're after? But should they be grounded, they no doubt anguish in their diminished capacity. Such as that grounded bird, is what it is to be a man. The Word, I read, tells me that You understand that full well.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

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