The Most Important Thing by Bonnie Peacock

“But I give myself to prayer” (Psalm 109:4). “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray thee Lord my soul to take.” As children, most of us were taught pat prayers and phrases that sufficed for those early stages in life.

As we mature, though, God expects more. He wants us to understand the words that we are saying, no longer chanting meaningless phrases to pass the time. Only when we develop a real relationship with Him can we enjoy intimate, meaningful conversations. He wants to really know us and for us to truly know Him. Prayer creates this bond.

In our hurried lifestyles we are prone to still recite our devotions heavenward. But prayer is more than a muttered grace before each meal or a litany of needs repeated before we face the new day. It is more than requests for watch care, creature comforts, and smooth sailing. Giving ourselves to prayer is entering into a holy place where it is just us and God. Our surroundings, location, or physical position are unimportant. It is an attitude, not a ritual. Effective, heartfelt prayers do not even have to be put into words. Silently our hearts can touch Him, regardless of where we are.

Kneeling before an altar, with hands folded, and pious words flowing from our lips is fine but totally unnecessary for a real, direct communication with God. Prayer is the baring of ourselves before our Maker. It is becoming vulnerable before the One who knows it all anyway. There is a cleansing that takes place when we become transparent before Him. Oh, to live in such a way that we have nothing to hide!

Real prayer is a culmination of so many things. It is petition, thanksgiving, praise, worship, and interceding for others. Prayer is simply communication with God.

No hidden agendas, no pretence—just plain, honest soul searching—talking and then listening. It is giving ourselves to Him, then receiving back strength, courage, wisdom, direction, blessings, and anointing to walk through another day.

Although our to-do list may be long, the load of responsibilities may weigh heavy, obligations and expectations may pressure us, but the most important thing that we accomplish each day is when we “give ourselves unto prayer!”

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