~The Golden Key~

It was a big struggle of mine since I came to Thailand. The conviction was strong that I needed to spend more time just communing with my Saviour in secret. But when? where? I wanted to find a quiet place away from anything that would or could distract me from that special time.I thought about spending that time amongst the banana trees near our home or other places, but the devil was discouraging me by coming up with reasons why such a place may not be good. Likely problems with ants or maybe snakes popped into my mind.

The example in the Bible of praying morning, evening, and at noon. (See Psalms 5:3 and Psalms 55:17.) kept coming to mind. The Holy Spirit continued to call to my heart to devote more time in communion with Him and telling me that I cannot work for and with Him unless I'm connected to Him. I was struck as He reminded me that there are many things He would do if only I would ask Him in faith and would thank Him for what He has done and will do.

I always pray alone to Him at my personal devotional time and when I go to bed, but I'd hardly pray to Him (including thanking Him) throughout the day. I would rarely pray to Him when battling with temptation. I began to realize more than ever the life threatening danger that I was in. I cannot win the battle and continue to work for my King without beholding Him every moment. I might as well say that my part of the mission here is in vain, unless I'm connected with Him. And in all reality, it isn't worth trying to be a genuine Christian (Christ-like) when I'm not spending that much needed time with Him.

Prayer is the breath of the soul (See Gospel Workers, pg. 245.4) and I will spiritually suffocate if I neglect to breathe it.

"The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation." ~Steps to Christ, 94.2

 

Prayer--The golden key in the hand of faith.

 How can neglect this key? There is so much, and possibly Heaven itself, that I could miss out on if I'm not constantly connected to the the Source of life.

I was feeling desperate this week. I finally told myself that I must set special time aside somewhere in the middle of the day for Christ and have a better quality time with Him in the evening. I'm stilling finding it hard to break away during somewhere in the middle of the day. Life is so busy. Yet, the busier I get, the more deeply I feel my urgent need to breath deeply of the heavenly atmosphere.

I'm thankful that I've been able to pretty much spend a while with Him each evening this week after I come back home from worship.

There's nothing like being connected with Christ. Prayer is now one of my favorite things that I like to do. Every day, I look forward to that evening's appointment with just Him. I love looking at the beauties of nature and beholding His wonderful creation in the dark sky as I talk with Him, reflect upon the day and upon my life, and meditate upon His goodness. I can feel His presence. I know He's there with me. I'm also beginning to talk to Him more throughout the day and am loving it.

"Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence?"

And, yes, there are blessings that He is giving to me that I otherwise wouldn't receive. And they're priceless treasures.