Lord, I sense my need of you; yet — I am not quite sure how to reach you.

 

I heard someone say, ‘Read your Bible.’

But too often the words are like bullets that ricochet off my brain.

 

I heard someone say, ‘Pray.’

But my prayers, hurled heaven ward, fall back to earth like lifeless stones.

 

I heard someone say, ‘Meditate.’

But my wandering mind was lost in a desert of random thoughts.

 

This prayer by Robin Van Cleef chillingly describes a struggle to deepen his spiritual life. I share that struggle. I confess to sometimes looking at the computer or newspaper before reading God’s Holy Word. At times, Prayer and Meditation is a stimulating journey of fresh discoveries while other times they are disciplines.

 

I occasionally pray and wonder if anyone is listening?

 

Prayer should be a daily delight where you feel bathed in the very presence of God. But prayer can also be a desperate plea for a lifeline to help you climb from the deep dark depths. At times the rope doesn’t seem to be there.

 

Prayer can be a cry for answers but sometimes there is only silence. “Where are you God?” Meditation seems painfully slow in the midst of a frantic lifestyle. We want a comfortable conversation instead of lonely contemplation: entertainment rather than education.

 

But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Robin Van Cleef concludes his prayer:

 

Lord, speak to me through your Word.

Let it penetrate my mind and my heart.

 

Lord, speak to me through Prayer,

and turn the lifeless stones to bread.

 

Lord, speak to me in my Meditation,

that I may see, amid life’s wilderness:

 

The way, the truth and the life.

 

Spiritual growth seldom happens naturally. There is a much needed investment of time and energy.

 

Lent is a seasonal reminder to prepare for Easter: A time to remember the life and death of Jesus before we can truly appreciate the resurrection. Lent is an opportunity to renew and deepen our relationship with God. We can join a Bible study, set aside more time to pray or simply find a quiet place and quietly meditate.

 

Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along His path. He will honor you. (Psalm 38:34)

 

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come. (1 Peter 2:13)

 

One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak, He chose. (Luke 6:12)

 

Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent. (Ephesians 6:18)

 

God says to you: “Don’t be impatient. Travel steadily. Think clearly and exercise self-control.”

 

God promises: “He will honor you. Look forward to special blessings.”

 

Lord, speak to me through your Word.

Let it penetrate my mind and my heart.

 

Lord, speak to me through Prayer,

and turn the lifeless stones to bread.

 

Lord, speak to me in my Meditation,

that I may see, amid life’s wilderness:

 

The way, the truth and the life.

 

Don’t let this season of Lent pass without giving thought to what it would mean to deepen your relationship with God.