Broken Communication

Uncategorized // January 16, 2022 //

Last week, my phone died. I don’t mean the battery lost its charge; I mean it died. Apparently, phones don’t like swimming in ice covered ponds, but that’s a story for another day. Even after replacing the phone, it took days and the help of an expert to restore my contacts. Finding myself unable to communicate as desired was more challenging than anticipated.

A few years ago, I was at a convention during which the organizer carried out a live call to an astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle in outer space. True NASA stuff and very exciting. During the call, the astronaut described his view from space and prayed for those convened as we did for him and his mission. As the call concluded, we were reminded that however remarkable it was to speak to an astronaut in outer space, we have the routine opportunity to speak to the One who made it all: space, time, matter, and me.

It saddens me to admit that I can be disturbed by not having convenient access to speak with other people while not taking full advantage of opportunity to speak with the God of all creation.

The mere fact that we’re welcomed into His presence should overwhelm us and drive us to our knees. Direct access to the throne of God was only granted through the blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. That’s a payment plan we could never afford or repay.

Throughout the Bible, we see prayer modeled for us. Jesus Himself was routinely pictured as getting away by Himself to pray, especially before decisions, major events, and when the demands of ministry pressed in. The disciples were gathered together to pray when the Holy Spirit was poured out on them at Pentecost. Paul frequently breaks out in prayer and praise as He recounts God’s blessings in his letters.

Paul instructs us in Colossians 4:2 to “devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving”. Again, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we’re told to “Pray constantly”. The 1872 hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour summarizes both our need and opportunity to devote ourselves to prayer as well as the power and hope that is found through prayer:

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord, no tender voice like Thine can peace afford

I need Thee, O I need Thee, every hour I need Thee, O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee

I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou nearby, Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh

I need Thee, O I need Thee, every hour I need Thee, O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain, come quickly and abide or life is vain

I need Thee, O I need Thee, every hour I need Thee, O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee, O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee

Just as I am, without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me

And that Thou bids me come to Thee, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come

Just as I am and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come

While inconvenient for a time, I am thankful for the reminder that communication with the Almighty God doesn’t require a device, only devotion. It doesn’t require an expert, just a willing party. God stands ready to hear from you, regardless of circumstances. Don’t wait for a special occasion. Make prayer a way of life.

About Jimmy Newkirk

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