For as many men and women as there are in the Body of Christ, there are that many ways to approach praying to God and communing with Him. Ask a hundred people of strong faith how they start their day with God, and you will hear a rich variety of answers. One may read the Lord’s Prayer and linger on a particular line God draws their heart to. Another may simply begin with thanksgiving, listing out blessings big and small. And still another may sit quietly, asking the Lord to wash over them with His peace. On and on it goes—each one thirsting for the encounter God Himself sparks. There is simply no single way to pray.
Consider a husband and wife who go out together to enjoy their rose garden on a summer evening. Imagine if one says to the other: “When I visit the garden, first I stand ten feet away and take in the whole scene. Then I move to the red rose and study its petals. And only then do I go on to the yellow rose.” And here’s the kicker: “Therefore, you should do the same.” Now most would agree, it’s that last part that doesn’t make much sense. For the richness of the experience is that each enjoys the garden as they are led. There may be overlap, and much joy in sharing what each sees, but the pathway is still their own.
So it is with prayer. There is a river of life flowing through the Body of Christ, and we are all invited to drink from it. One may wade into the stillness of a quiet inlet and simply rest. Another may splash at a small waterfall, washing their face and hands. Another may kneel at the shore, cupping water to sip and savor. All of it is good, all of it refreshes and restores the soul.
As for me, I am thankful for the various ways God calls me to Himself. I may not always know in what form I’ll meet with God each day—only that I will come to His river. And when I do, all I know is I want to drink from it as much as I can.
I hope this encourages you to meet God at the river today.
Kevin Murray
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