Pray Then Listen
I wonder if the Lord ever wearies of his children coming into his presence when they never once stop to listen. Nothing is so empty and unfulfilling as one-way communication. Try listening to someone for a few hours without getting a word in. The person who got the load off his chest goes away feeling better, but the poor listener stands there unfulfilled.
How often have we left our Lord alone in the secret closet? We rush into his presence with, “Praise you, Jesus! I love you, Lord! Here’s my shopping list and my healing card. Amen.” How many times has he been ready to open his own heart to speak, when lo and behold, no one was there?
All my preaching life has been spent trying to get people to pray. Now, I see that was not the problem. The real issue is leaving the Savior in the secret closet, alone, unfulfilled, without being able to say a word to us.
We left that closet of prayer having unburdened our hearts. We told him of our hopes, dreams, and desires. We left that holy place of prayer with a satisfied mind. However, our Lord was still there waiting with keen anticipation, longing to share in that communion. I believe our Lord says, “Yes, yes, thank you for your praise. I’m so glad you took the time to be shut in with me. I have heard your request, but don’t leave just now. I have some things I want to share with you. I’ve bottled your tears; I’ve soothed your troubled mind. Now, allow me to tell you what is on my heart.”
Our Lord Jesus wants to tell us what is breaking his heart in our generation. He wants to speak to each child about his beautiful plan for all who trust him. He wants to give us guidance, solutions to our problems, new ministries and outreaches to save the lost, specific words concerning jobs, careers, homes, life partners, and truths about heaven, hell, and the coming calamities. Most of all, he wants to talk to us about how much he loves and cares for his own.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20, NKJV).