Here is a question for your consideration. Do you pray to God, or do you talk with him? King David, Israel’s psalmist King, pens these words: “Listen to my words, Lord; consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help my King, my God, for I pray to you.”
In this Psalm, King David is coming to his God seeking help. One of the many beautiful things about the Hebrew language is the richness it offers words. For example, this particular connotation for pray means to judge. In other words, David is saying, “Judge my words oh God. I need help. Do you find me worthy of helping?” The question becomes, is David praying or talking to God? This is not meant to be a trick question, but rather to offer an honest consideration of approaching the godhead.
Growing up inside the matrix, (sometimes referred to as the traditional church) I had the idea of prayer to be some man with a deep baritone voice, big chest and hairy arms billowing out, “Our most gracious and powerful heavenly Father, I beseech thee, hear my prayer.”
In one place in the New Testament, Jesus makes mention of religious people offering prayers like this in order to seem impressive to those around them. He stated that such a way of praying is nothing more than religious service that got them nowhere with God.
I like to think that David is talking to God (although it could be more appropriate to say talking “at” God since he is not seen) asking him an honest question; is my life worthy of your response? This is important in building a close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. David realized the holiness of God. He knew the un-holiness of his life, which prompted him to approach God with reverence. David is saying, “God I need help; your help, but I also realize that I so often miss the mark. Will you help me? Is my life worthy of your help?”
Prayer is an attitude of approaching God; to pray means to approach him. David offers an example of how to approach him, with humility. There is a Proverb in the Old Testament written by Solomon, David’s son, that goes something like this: Man looks something good, but God probes for what is good. In other words, God is looking at the heart, and David’s prayer is asking God is it (his heart, attitude, and action) good enough for you to help me?
Let me be quick to add that I am talking about working myself into God’s good graces; this is not about self-righteous behavior. God sees the heart, the intent, and David acknowledges that by asking if his heart is good enough.
I hope this offers some encouragement in your journey. Today’s writing has stirred a deeper look into prayer. I will let you know when it is complete and posted.