I’ve always been a note-taker. Not only do I learn and retain better that way, but it keeps my mind on the matter at hand. And it keeps me from saying, “what was that he said about Daniel???” I can go back to what I’m taking notes on, digest the subject in parts and as a whole, or examine them in light of other notes or lessons at a later time.
I didn’t always take notes during my prayer time. Mostly, because they were just routine- “Bless Susie and help Johnny get better and keep us safe,” type prayers. But I had no God-action in my life. I knew about Him, read His word, asked Jesus to live in my heart, and still had no relationship with Him that stirred my soul. If that is you, I’m going to share with you how you can change that.
First of all, I want to broadcast a warning. What I’m about to share is not necessarily for some of you strictly evangelical folks. I tend to dabble in the charismatic, and this is one of those instances. I shared this with my awesome, humble and completely non-judgmental pastor recently and it crossed my mind that he might think I’m crazy. And I might be. But you can’t put God in a box nor can you put believers in one. There, you’ve been warned.
So it began one day when I was lamenting that I didn’t feel a two-way relationship with the Lord. My mother-in-law, sweet woman of God that she is, gave me a printout of a suggested prayer to get me started in hearing from the Lord during quiet time. The steps basically covered all the bases of confessing my own sin, unforgiveness and judgments. It suggested I take moments to allow the Lord to bring some of that to mind (moments!?! How about an hour???) and to then thank Him for Jesus and His sacrifice of grace that covered and cleansed my sin. Next, I should begin to tell God of my desire to hear from Him, not my own thoughts nor the voice of the enemy. That my mind’s only focus was to be only on Him. And finally, to get my pen ready. That is the short version of the two-page printout.
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3
With a little trial and error, it worked. I found that as I focused on hearing His voice and read over His words, that I would begin to pray those words back to him. I would write my prayer to God using His Word, as well as the words that flowed from me as a result. Those words of praise often turned into reassurance, love, grace and strength. I would find insight and guidance in what I was writing, and often would find confirmation through His Word and the words of others who also make Him their treasure.
Friends (those who didn’t write me off 2 paragraphs ago), I kid you not when I tell you that this practice has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my relationship with the Lord. It has morphed and changed my impression of Him, my understanding of how He loves me, and has allowed me to hear Him and be obedient to Him in ways I would have never thought possible. It has deepened our relationship and my dependence on those fresh words from Him.
“Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” Isaiah 55:3
I can’t tell you it will work for everyone, particularly if you’re not a note-taker. But let me suggest an alternative if you feel that this doesn’t work for you. Journal your blessings. Journal your answered prayers. Journal your burdens. Then pray over them and just sit quietly, focusing on Him. Write down the words or verses that come to mind. Do that for a week or so, practicing your focus on Him alone. It only takes one time to hear His still small voice and BAM….you’ll be hooked, I tell you.