1 Corinthians 4:20 in the ESV reads, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.”
I love this. As a healing prayer practitioner a big part of my job is leading clients into simple sentences before the Lord.
Words in fact, often get in the way. When we want to hear God’s voice, it is best to make our request, our invitation, with as few words as possible.
“God I know that you are… today I… please if you will… thank-you and…” are all fine prayers for pouring out one’s heart beside one’s bed at night; a sort of unloading kind of prayer.
But these voluminous and wordy prayers actually get in the way of hearing the heart of God. Wordy prayers seem to be indicative of a few things:
1. We are not confident that God will hear or answer us – we try to convince him.
2. Our inability to quietly wait on the Lord – to hear him we must be silent.
If our minds are spinning we find it very difficult to hear the still small voice of God.
If we are not sure about his investment in us we overcompensate with language.
And a third thing:
3. We cover up with words.
The presence of the Lord is ours when we come silent before him. In healing prayer this is vital. Instead of a long drawn out question and plea (which only increases confusion and is never answered) a simple one sentence statement is much more effective.
“What might you show me Lord?”
“I invite you.”
“Explain more of that to me.”
“What do I do now?”
You can practice this in your own silent time with the Lord. Confess your fear that you may get no answer, lay out on the table your insecurity, simply admit your hesitancy.
And then wait. In silence. Allowing peace. Without fretting. Just trust.
And God will draw near to you.
Each of us desperately need powerful touches from the Lord. Don’t drive these away by too many words. Just invite, lay out your request, and wait.
Cyndy Lavoie 