Posted on 10/29/2021 6:56:21 AM PDT by Carpe Cerevisi
We are told that Christ “emptied Himself” in His death on the Cross (Philippians 2:5-11). Further, we are told that this self-emptying is to be the “mind” that we ourselves have. It is possible to grasp that such self-emptying can be practiced in our dealings with others when we place them above ourselves – when the “other” is our greater concern. But how is this possible in prayer? How do we empty ourselves, when the largest component of our prayerful attention is unavoidably our very selves? Some might suggest that we should give our attention to God rather than to ourselves. And while this sounds salutary – just try it. Indeed, the problem deepens when we realize that giving our attention to God can easily mean nothing more than giving our attention to our idea of God. In which case, our prayer becomes well-intentioned delusion. What do we do?
In an earlier article, I described two types of prayer:
Consider two kinds of prayer: in the first, we have a sense of the prayers that we plan to pray (say a morning service) and the psalms and readings for the day and we struggle through. It is quite possible to do this without reference to God. We are present to our prayers, but our prayers are not present to God. The heart can be completely untouched. We speak but we don’t weep.
In the second, we struggle for words. We are aware of just how unaware we are of God. We do not flee our emptiness or our brokenness, but we embrace them. And there in that place where we can do nothing of ourselves, we call on God who can do all things.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.ancientfaith.com ...
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I just don’t think it’s that complicated knowing God. It’s a relationship we have with Him. Our prayers are revealed in many degrees as we remain in fellowship with Him. We also enjoy Him and His sense of humor is wonderful. Even in that He causes us to think.
When it comes to others He’s quick to let us know where He wants us to use our hands to assist or help....equally so when not to.
I love Him as He is and think that most Christians understand what HE’s about as they grow and walk in Him.
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