PRAYER IS A TABLE FOR TWO-YOU AND GOD        

 

         “You are here by invited to...” The dinner invitation has been extended and you can’t wait to get there.  You are seated around the table with other special guests.  You feel honored.  You can't wait to tell your best friend who sat next to you at the table.  Perhaps you even shared part of the conversation with her.

Yet God Himself through Jesus invites you to His table, Acts 2:42 says, “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

  This is a table-just for two.  How intimate. A cherished time.  I wonder how often He sits at the table, waiting for His invited guests to come.   Martin Luther said: “As it is the business of the tailor to make clothes, the cobbler to mend shoes, so it is the business of Christians...to pray.”   Perhaps your time of prayer would have more meaning if you envision a table for two, a quiet place for intimate conversation.  

Like the church at Pentecost, we are called to continually break bread with the Master and to pray.  E.M Bounds, author of five books on prayer, says: “We should view prayer as constant fellowship, an unbroken audience with the King.  We must see the expectation to pray not only as a divine summons but also as a royal invitation to the throne.  We have the privilege of an audience with the King of Kings.”

          Growing up in Canada, we celebrated May Day.  I was in grade school when Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth) was to visit our city. In preparation the teachers instructed the girls how to curtsy before the princess and how to behave in the presence of royalty.

          If I were invited today to visit Queen Elizabeth, I would certainly make all the correct preparations.  I would even have someone do my hair and help me select my dress. When I arrived in London to see her, I would not rush into the castle and into her court yelling, hello! (Or Help!)  

Think about it.  We do that all the time in the presence of the King of kings.  Yes, the King is there to help us, but He also longs for our hearts to come into His courts acknowledging His Majesty with praise and adoration.

          Jesus expects us to pray.  Matthew 6:5 says: ... "And when you pray,” Matthew 6:6: “But when you pray”:  Matthew 6:9: “Pray then in way”: and Luke 1:9: I say to you, ask... seek... and knock.”   Hear that as the King’s invitation.  The table is set.  The Honored Guest is always present.  He waits for the child to sit down at the table.   Never be hurried out of your prayer time.  Prayer is a table for two - you and God. And prayer is giving God access to your needs.