"The first purpose of prayer is to know God." - Charles L. Allen
When I read that this evening, I thought, "Wow!" Truly. I mean, I know that we pray to learn God's will, and I imagine I even knew that a purpose of prayer was to really know Him... but it hit me tonight. Like a brick.
I've prayed for many things in my years - passing test grades; to make friends; for my family to stop having to move around; for my husband before I met him; for babies; for friends and family; healing - physical, emotional and psychological; for God's will to be clear; for so, sooo much. But, I can't seem to remember a time where I just prayed for God to reveal HIMSELF to me.
In all relationships, friendships or any other "-ships" where people are dealing with each other they get to know each other. Personal, intimate details are involved - sometimes a little too much. Likes and dislikes are discovered. God, being who He is, knows all of my personal, intimate details... I have been ashamed many times knowing what He knows that others don't. He knows my heart. My thoughts. He knows all of it. It's high time I got to know Him deeper, more intimately.
The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. - 1 Kings 8:34
I want that. To not be able to continue what I want because God's glorious presence fills me. I imagine it's a bit difficult to be filled with something and not intimately know said Something.
Fill my cup, Lord,
I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want not more
Fill my cup, Lord,
Fill it up and make me whole!
