In 1983 I read a book that forever changed my relationship with God. The book, The Hour That Changes The World, helped me to understand the importance of spending an hour a day in prayer. Now, while I understand that everyday should be a constant walk with the Lord, I believe that it is through prayer that we develop a closer relationship with our Creator. It is through these quiet times with God that we can hear that still, small voice that speaks to our heart.
The premise of the book is taken from Matthew 26 when Jesus questions the disciples as to why they could not watch with Him for one hour as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Spending an hour a day with God isn't as long as it might seem. After all, we have no problem spending an hour a day with Ellen or Oprah or Dr. Oz, so why do so many Christians seem to have trouble spending an hour with God? I could list a bunch of reasons, however, they all boil down to the fact that most Christians really don't want to spend time with Him. We are too busy to be bothered with God.
Oh, but Brother Bill, I spend an hour on Sunday's with Him. Good for you. I'm sure God is impressed. What God really desires is spending personal time with each of us. Think about it. The God of the Universe wants to spend time with you.
Now before I get blamed for being Legalistic, I just have to say that sometimes I am appalled by how powerless the Church seems to be in today's society. I blame it on one thing: Christians who don't spend time with God in prayer. That's the end of my soap box.
This morning during the "Praise" portion of my time with God, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind an old hymn that I probably hadn't sung in over 20 years. The chorus of the song extols God's faithfulness:
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
As I sang the words, I was reminded that in the midst of a world that seems to have gone mad, God is faithful. Like I said, I haven't sung those words in over 20 years but the Holy Spirit brought them back to my mind today with such clarity. After being reminded of God's faithfulness, I spent the next several moments just praising Him and thanking Him for how faithful He has been to me and my family. My prayer was to be as faithful to Him as He is to me.
My purpose today is not to guilt anyone into spending time with God. I mean, as a Christian, you're probably already spending an hour a day with God anyway. But if you're not, I encourage you to find a copy of Dick Eastman's book and give it a try. I guarantee you that your life and your relationship with God will never be the same.
Be Well.
Bill
