Nancy Taylor Tate
Years ago, through the testimony of others I came to understand that times of lingering in the Lord’s presence are at the heart of our spiritual walk with Him. Now I also understand experientially why this is so.
As we practice getting quiet and spending time in the Lord’s presence, we become more sensitive to His presence and the nudges of the Holy Spirit. As we learn to yield to the Holy Spirit, our spiritual walk develops, and we are drawn into a deeper relationship with the Lord.
My husband and I often work side by side, talking and sharing the day. Yet there are also times when we sit down and become totally focused as we talk on a deeper level. We have found we need to make room for these times of deeper communication, or they get squished out.
So it is with the Lord. We certainly are to maintain fellowship with the Lord throughout the day, regardless of what we’re doing. Yet focused, set apart times of fellowship with Him are also essential. These are the times we need to contend for if we are going to cultivate deeper fellowship with Him.
Times of private, personal prayer are at the heart of our relationship with the Lord. From our times of prayer will also come times of intercession, beyond what we could ever pray of our own accord.
“Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought…he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God” Romans 8:26–27.
I like to say prayer is a choice. I can choose to pray any time I want. Prayer is simply talking to God and learning to listen. But intercession, as I am speaking of today, is not our choice—it comes when the Holy Spirit chooses. The time may or may not be convenient for us. Yet as we become sensitive to Him and learn to value His moving, the Holy Spirit will pray through us to accomplish what is on God’s heart.
There is an urgent need today for those who will make themselves available to the Lord in prayer. As James tells us, the heartfelt, continued prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:16b AMP). Spending time in heartfelt prayer opens the door for the Holy Spirit to pray through us, according to the will of God.
Tremendous transition is taking place in our society. Scripture makes very clear the importance of prayer, saying we are called to be a people of prayer. Prayer is the law by which God works.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” 1 Timothy 2:1–4 RSV.
The words “first of all” stand out to me as if in neon lights. First of all, we are to pray. As we pray for our leaders and for others, the Scriptures tell us “this is good and acceptable” in the sight of God.
The world often wants to condemn people. God wants to save them! As I look down on the highway below our home—cars coming and going, people bustling about in the shopping plazas—I can’t help but think of God’s love for each and every one.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16.
How God loves us, our families, our communities, our nation, and the nations. As we pray, may we become carriers of God’s love, vessels through whom the Holy Spirit can move. May strong opinions never marginalize our ability to pray for others.
While I write, Nutmeg, our little puppy, is laying very close to my feet. Even though I’m occupied, she enjoys being near me as she rests. Soon, I will give her my undivided attention and she will totally enjoy that too! Both times are important in our relationship.
So it is in our relationship with the Lord. We are learning to live in His presence, to spend each day with Him. As we also learn to make room for and prioritize our quality times of fellowship with Him, we grow in our relationship. From that place of deeper communion, there are times when the Lord will share His heart with us, that we might participate with Him in His will being done.
This is my prayer and deep desire: Lord, draw us into a deeper relationship with You. We long for this! We make room for times of fellowship with You. May we become an expression of Your heart, ones through whom Your Holy Spirit can pray.