Experiencing God in prayer Print
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Friday, 21 November 2008 01:53
Experiencing God in Prayer 

The life of Madame Guyon is my preoccupation this season as I studied about Quietism - a mystical movement in church history in the seventeenth century namely championed by Michael Molinos (Spain), Madame Guyon and Francis Fenelon (France). I did some extensive research through the library and over the internet to source out more information. In a period of 1 week, I delved into her autobiography, key writings and journal articles; much to my amazement, I dived deep into a learning journey.
In particular, I enjoyed her writings on prayer - "Experiencing God through Prayer, Madame Guyon" (Donna C. Arthur, Whitaker House, 1984). This became food for thought. Beyond admiring her life of love, devotion, faith and commitment to the Lord, her teachings on prayer throws light in my spiritual reflection. Madame Guyon writes on prayer as a joy, an activity engaging the deepest of heart and a love relationship between God and man.

My next few blogs will be dedicated to some excerpts from this book; including learning points in addition to my personal reflection. Join me as we learn the art of experiencing God in prayer. "If we only knew how much God loves us and wants to communicate with us, we would not set up impossible standards for ourselves. Nor would we become discouraged in obtaining good things from God. After all, it is His earnest intent to give us good things." (pg. 8, Experiencing God in prayer)

God is Trinity; God the Father, Son and Spirit. As the Holy Trinity, God is a Relational God. The Personhood of God is linked to relationships; His relationships within the Godhead as well as His relationship with His children. As in any relationships, communication forms the very important basis. Relationships happen when people relate, communicate. As a Personal God, God is also a communicating God.

God seeks to communicate to humanity. That is the reason God sent His Son; to relate to us and communicate His love to us. God gave us His word; as revelations of His purpose and intent. God wants to communicate with us; as Abba with His beloved children. One of the greatest barrier to listening prayer and intimacy is the concern that God does not love us nor wants to communicate with us.

We tend to build walls around us; seeking solace in our human efforts to reach God rather than trusting and allowing God to reach us instead.

The truth is: God loves us. God loves you. God is a communicating God. He loves to communicate with us. He loves to communicate with you. I used to worry about how I can hear God, how I can draw close to Him till our worries shfited my focus from God to self works. I have since learned relationships work on trust. Communication works on trust too. I have to trust that God loves me more than I love Him. More than that, I have to trust His word when the Bible says, "Come near to God and He will come near to you. (James 4:8)"
  • My drawing near to God must be built upon the trust that He will honor His word.
  • My drawing near to God must be built upon the trust that He forgives my sin when I confess sincerely.
  • My drawing near to God must be built upon the trust that He convicts but He never condemns with guilt.
  • My drawing near to God must be built upon the trust that He welcomes my fellowship; it brings Him delight.
  • My drawing near to God must be built upon the trust that He is a giver of good gifts; the gift of love, intimacy and grace comes freely from Him.

So today, draw near to God in trust and experience Him in prayers from your heart; cos' He will draw near to you.

Blessings in Jesus,
Rev. Bryan Tan
Bryan Tan Ministries
Lifting People into their Destinies
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