Day 66 - Preparing to Pray

Anyone who has been in any form of Mentor/mentee relationship knows that success depends on several things. High on the list is the relationship of the individuals involved and how much they invest in it. But other things are also important in ensuring that the relationship works, including expectations, the environment, the timing, and preparation.

But no matter how well prepared you are, whatever frame of mind both mentor and mentee are in on the day can influence the outcome of the interaction greatly, as well as the ability on both sides to listen and understand.

Taking things to God in prayer faces similar issues. If we go to God with our minds fixed and only willing to listen to the answer we want to hear then the interaction will go wrong. God will meet us where we are at, but He won’t necessarily give us the answers we want Him to. God will give us the answers that He feels are right for us. He will say the things we need to hear rather than what we want to hear.

“Let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill, to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction”. Proverbs 1:5-7 NRSV

So, when we go to God in prayer we need to go with an open mind, open to whatever God has to say to us. We need to make space in our minds, not go with our heads full of what we are currently entangled or engrossed in.

As with any mentor/mentee interaction we need to make the physical space to spend time with God. Trying to pray when surrounded by a bustling home, or a busy office, or in the middle of a busy street is going to create a barrier to your conversation with God. So, create a space in a setting that encourages peace and tranquillity. Spaces which include some form of nature can help, as well as a comfy corner or chair, or a view out of a window (as long as there aren’t any distractions!).

Any relationship needs working on, to develop and enrich it. If you neglect a relationship because you haven’t got time it will wither and die.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”. Colossians 3:17 ESV

So, the timing of prayer is important. It’s important that we prioritise our time of talking to God. Any time of the day can be good, so identify ‘your time’ and prioritise it!

And finally, what other preparation do we need to do beforehand. Have you thought about what you wish to take to God in prayer? God doesn’t want us to be word perfect, but he does want us to be seriously genuine and truthful. He wants us to be willing to dig deep within ourselves and to truly come to Him with an open attitude to looking at ourselves.

The Rewards are mind blowing and endless if we are prepared to put the time in. So, make a commitment to work on your relationship with God, ask Him for help and He will respond.

Our Father, our mentor,

I come to you just as I am, imperfect.

Help me to remember that I am made in your image,

And that you will work within me to help me.

I want to have the best relationship with you that I can,

A relationship that is open and honest and fruitful.

I want to be submissive to what you want for me,

But I find it difficult when I am not in control.

Help me to learn the skills I need, and the attitudes that will help me,

To listen, to understand and to act,

Always what is your will, not mine.

Help me to be loyal and faithful to your word,

Ever your servant, ever your mentee. Amen.

Kathy Shaw

The photo has been supplied by Lorna Cammock from Uddingston, Glasgow, with her permission to use.