Have you ever had a long-distance friendship that fizzled out because you didn't keep in touch? It's amazing how we can understand this concept, but often forget that the same principle of communication is just as essential to our relationship with God. Why don't we take advantage of prayer more often when the connection that we can access is wireless, 24-7, with no service charge, and has service and advice that is out of this world? Maybe part of the reason is because it's challenging to have a conversation with someone we can't see and who we can't always hear. The eye of faith is often blinded and sometimes our minds make so much noise we can't hear the still small voice. When we do, we don't always recognize it. Or we just don't want to.
But just any communication isn't good enough either. Its got to have some quality. Have you ever felt stuck in an impersonal rut when you pray? Do you think God likes hearing recorded messages? It's fortunate that God is so patient. I would get exasperated if my friends did nothing but ask me for favors when they talked to me, with a speedy thank-you occasionally thrown in. There's nothing wrong with letting God know about our needs, but what about just opening up to Him like we would to a friend? I think that's more of what prayer should be. I think we've gotta be more real with God if we expect to see Him real in our lives.  ¶ 10:59 PM