To soar, one must stoop

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Wisdom is oftentimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar. (William Wordsworth)

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” (Psalm 27:7-8)

Come and talk with me - these are God's words to each of us. Somehow, we think prayer is some art form we must master through recited phrases, but it is nothing more than talking with God. He calls, we respond. That is prayer - just talking plainly with him. We might not think he needs to hear everything in our heart, but when we speak those truths to him, he is assured we know what is in our heart! I hope your heart's response to God's beckoning call is "Lord, I am coming." 

We always want to 'soar', but before we soar, we must 'stoop'. Why do you think we kneel or bow our heads when we pray? Most will say it is an action that reflects us humbling ourselves before him. I would submit that it just gets us in a 'posture' to listen. Some might see prayer as a sign that we don't know what to do next when we really do. We might believe prayer is unnecessary, but without prayer, our lives are pretty much lived on our own terms. God isn't inviting us into his presence as a means of pointing out our failures and shortcomings, although we may find ourselves a little convicted when we begin to share the reality of what is in our own heart!

We don't have to pray for hours, but rather engage in a consistent seeking of his wisdom throughout the day. How? I find myself just sitting for a moment or two and 'pondering' my next steps. Am I on my knees? Do I always have my head bowed and eyes closed? Nope. Do I recite prayers learned in some way? Nope. I just stop, ask God outright to enter into my moment, and listen. I might begin to share how something has frustrated me or brought me extreme joy. I could even admit to being tempted or giving into some temptation around me. These aren't long intervals of prayer - they are short, honest, and direct. I think God likes it when we are this free with him - free to share our heart honestly right there in his presence. Just acknowledge that you know he is there and begin to speak with him. He isn't going to help you soar if you are weighed down by all the stuff you should have rid yourself of when you 'stooped' a little while before him. Just sayin!

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