“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” -John 15:15 (KJV)
From the time we teetered through the earliest years of life, learning to speak our first sentences, we have enjoyed the power of conversation, especially with a loving parent, beloved sibling or other special person. The words and phrases flow easily without hesitation or fear. Children just assume that they will be heard, and they trust they will get an appropriate response. It gives additional meaning to the expression, “out of the mouths of babes.”
As we grow, we begin to use and value the privilege of having that special person or friend whom we can go to with ease, expressing our disappointments and sharing our wants, desires and frustrations without fear of neglect, indifference or judgment.
Unfortunately, we often hesitate to take advantage of the greatest benefits of this sharing interaction with a loved one by neglecting to take time for prayer with our Heavenly Father. The demands of life often crowd out the time for prayer in our lives.
Sometimes we fail to pray because we have come to believe that we need to have special words or forms in order to pray correctly. Other times, we may fear rejection or judgment because of some misdeed or careless action. But we forget that with someone who loves us sincerely, we never need to be concerned about special words of formality. We never need to fear not being accepted because we are less than perfect. What could be easier than simply expressing your thoughts and feelings candidly and sincerely when you have the assuredness of total acceptance?
When we recognize the uniqueness of our relationship with God, prayer can become as natural as breathing.
When we set aside time to commune in prayer, we can be assured that we have the ear of One who is attentive, caring and non-judgmental in every situation. We can speak candidly and honestly knowing that our every concern is heard and received in love. Because our God loves us unconditionally, we are comforted in that we are with our closest friend. Why should we ever hesitate to approach Him when we have the promise of knowing we are safe and cherished?
In the beautiful song by Israel Houghton, “Friend of God,” we are reminded of the awesome, though undeserved, benefit of the love of God when we are in relationship with Him.x
Who am I that You are mindful of me,
That You hear me when I call?
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me – it’s amazing.
I am a friend of God;
I am a friend of God;
I am a friend of God;
He calls me friend.
God Almighty, Lord of Glory
You have called me friend.
When we recognize that God has called us “friend,” prayer becomes a joy!
Written by Marvin Wendell Bussey, Point Trustee & Teens at Work, Inc. Director
