It’s tempting to handle strong emotions by either bottling them up or letting them out (sometimes at quite inappropriate moments!). An important step along the way is to acknowledge these feelings, particularly to God.
There is a wonderful phrase in Psalm 42:11 when the writer does just that - he brings his feelings out into the open: ‘Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?’
In our approach to prayer – encounterprayer - we encourage everyone to bring whatever they want to God, not just what they think they ought to bring! When we consciously spend time in his presence, it’s a time for honesty. We don’t have to pretend that everything is fine when it isn’t, nor put on a ‘holy mask’ before God when that’s not how we’re feeling. I believe that God wants us to bring ourselves to him just as we are, secure in the knowledge of his love and care for us.
There is a wonderful phrase in Psalm 42:11 when the writer does just that - he brings his feelings out into the open: ‘Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?’
In our approach to prayer – encounterprayer - we encourage everyone to bring whatever they want to God, not just what they think they ought to bring! When we consciously spend time in his presence, it’s a time for honesty. We don’t have to pretend that everything is fine when it isn’t, nor put on a ‘holy mask’ before God when that’s not how we’re feeling. I believe that God wants us to bring ourselves to him just as we are, secure in the knowledge of his love and care for us.
I clearly recall leading someone in encounterprayer some time ago. They sensed Jesus standing in front of them, so I asked what they wanted to share with him. After only a few words, their tone of voice changed as they began to express their anger with Jesus that despite so many prayers, he had not healed a sick child. As I stood there, I realised what a privilege it was to witness someone sharing their deep pain with such honesty to Jesus. There was a real sense of them connecting with him.
As we turn to God, we know that he sees through the rather flimsy masks we sometimes put up before him - but we still try to wear them! How much better to be honest with him about how we are. No matter whether you feel joyful, sad, confused or angry - tell him, but remember to pause long enough to give him the opportunity to respond to you.
Prayer should not be a matter of us pouring out our hearts to God and then walking away. It is about us deliberately turning to him and staying in his presence long enough for him to reach out in love to us.
John Ryeland
As we turn to God, we know that he sees through the rather flimsy masks we sometimes put up before him - but we still try to wear them! How much better to be honest with him about how we are. No matter whether you feel joyful, sad, confused or angry - tell him, but remember to pause long enough to give him the opportunity to respond to you.
Prayer should not be a matter of us pouring out our hearts to God and then walking away. It is about us deliberately turning to him and staying in his presence long enough for him to reach out in love to us.
John Ryeland
