Prayer of Longing

 

    Have your ever longed for something so much that it almost felt real?  Longing is more than an emotion.  It is an intense yearning desire.  It is something that can be felt in the bones.  When a longing starts to consume you, it is good to turn to prayer.  Talk it out with God so you don't loose perspective.

    When your longing to see God or be near Him it can cause tunnel vision.  Everything else seems to melt away and there is only one thing in sight.  Prayer is the only way to find what you are looking for.  It is good to want to be near to God, but not at the expense of ignoring everything that He has commanded of you: loving His people.  He expects you to live integrity no matter what.

    When the heart cries out to God it is praying to be heard and seen.  It is good to get other people that you can trust.  Get people that you love and that love you too, so you can be 100% honest about why you are longing so intensely.  They can pray in the areas that you can't see.  They can show you the love that you may not be able to give in that moment.  This is how you make your heavenly home here and now.  

    Pray with longing for your government, spiritual leaders, and your nation.  God is the only one that can fix the problems.  He is the only one with the power to turn what is grieving you into something strong and unifying.  Your job is not to be passive about what is happening around you.  It can happen so easily when you feel like you have no power or control.  It is hard to be a part of the transformation you want to see.

    You find your strength in prayer because a real conversation with God will open your heart.  In the hard times, it feels natural to shut down.  It takes strength to love openly when you feel so vulnerable.  Life is a pilgrimage.  What is making you sad now will pass.  Stay focused on what you want the finish line to look like.  

    Make sure that you can hear God's voice throughout the journey and your heart wont stop yearning for what matters: people's souls.  Once you have your heart and soul secure, it is your calling to reach out to other people.  Have you lost your passion?  Are you stagnant?  Are you resting?  Or are you ready for the next challenge?

Psalms 84