Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 Search Archive Print This Article What you say is what you get Tuesday, March 6, 2001 Matthew 6:7-15 Jesus says, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling.." In her books on conversational prayer, Rosalind Rinker said she had to teach herself not to pray anything she didn't really mean. As a Christian from childhood and later a missionary, she developed the habit of praying (especially in public) with acceptable words and sentiments rather than what she was really feeling, often saying things she would never say in conversation with an intimate friend. Her new conversations with God hinged on her honesty. When she spoke clearly and consistently from her heart, she noticed God's presence clearly and consistently. Discarding the language of religious pretension she became God's daughter, able to speak her mind, ask for what she wanted, throw tantrums on occasion...tell her dad how she needed him, how she appreciated him, how much she loved him. And God was closer and closer to her. I want to discover and explore this intimate rhythm of disclosure. I speak, God listens, God speaks, I listen. Neither of us talks over the other. We feel more connected with each other, not less, as we share our minds. I will start by learning to only say what I really mean. Jesus, teach me to pray like you did, walking. talking, preaching, healing - all on the foundation of early everyday talking with your father. Show me how. "; Add      Edit    Delete