Last month, I attend a women's retreat. The speakers there asked us to take a different posture for prayer. We were to open our hands, so as to receive what God would give and ask for His response during our conversations with Him. I am not and have never been an overly charismatic Christian. It is not something I am against, it is just something I have never been completely comfortable with. However, the idea of inviting God to speak to me, to find out what He wants from me, is appealing to me. I have been making an effort to receive in prayer, with open hands, ever since.
This idea of receiving from God also came up a few Sundays ago during a sermon. The message centered around Luke 11:38-42, the story of Mary and Martha. The main idea was this, to sit at Jesus' feet is to be submitted to His instruction. To be totally dependent and ready to receive whatever it is that Jesus has to give. That is the goal.
When I fix my eyes on all that you are, then every doubt I feel, deep in my heart grows strangely dim.
Strangely Dim, Francesca Battistelli
So, how do we do that? How do we give Jesus our undivided attention in a life that is full of distractions?
To fix our eyes on Jesus means to look intently at him. To be steadfast in putting our minds on things of Heaven, so that we can be ready to receive all that God has for us.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
- 2 Corinthians 4:18
In order to get to know someone, we need to spend time with them. My desire is to take time for Jesus. To fix my eyes and mind on Him. To find a place of rest in Him. I want Him to speak to me. I want to receive all that he has for me.
7 comments:
Love this Sybil. I personally think it is not so much how we do it, but THAT we do it. I found that if I waited for just the right moment, that quiet time, there were days when it just didn't happen. Sad, but true. Now I go to Him several times a day, in many different places, in many different ways. Sometimes it is just an inhale (allowing Him to fill me) when I know things are knowing going in the right direction.
As someone who didnt give their life to Jesus until a few years ago I never really did the whole closing eyes and clasping hand thing when praying but I am aware of the fact it's taught.
I always learnt the open way of praying like you mentioned from the women's retreat and I find it works for me. I feel like I am much more open to Jesus in that way.
Thankyou for sharing this post it's made me think about how open I am and how I need to start making more time in my life and heart for Jesus.
x
Love Love Love this!!!! I try to always open my hands (just as of the last few months)! It's such a precious action we can take to show us submitting to Him!!!
This is absolutely beautiful!
I tend to take on different postures, depending on what it is I feel I need.
Most times I pray sitting down on the floor, legs crossed, and eye closed- almost like meditating. This is the way I usually talk with family and friends so it's the most comfortable (eyes open, of course).
Other times I choose to kneel, as though kneeling at the throne of Jesus. Mostly to give reverence to His power and greatness.
My physical posture really seems to change my mood and even the intent behind my prayers.
In any case, I really try to get rid of the distractions around me and focus on not what I need to say to the Lord but be aware of what He's telling me, too.
PS- sorry I haven't been around here often but I think about you often ♥
It really is so easy to be distracted while praying…which is a terrible really, isn't it? I am trying to be better at making more quiet time throughout my day…time when I can pray, read, and reflect.
Love this. Really beautiful thoughts. It's so important to be open to receiving what God has for us, but so easy to be distracted from it. Great reminder :)
Post a Comment