Eugene Peterson taught me that God always initiates in our prayers. Even our desire to pray starts with God. When we think, “I should pray,” we know, for sure, he gave us the thought. It turns out that God is always talking to us. Prayer is simply “answering speech.” We answer the God who speaks first to us.
After Isaac and his household and workers found peace, God showed up and spoke to him. First, God introduced himself again as the God of Abraham. Then he told Isaac not to be afraid. Finally, he promised to bless Isaac with many descendants. Then Isaac built an altar and called upon the name of the Lord. He pitched his tent and they dug a well. Why? Isaac wanted to be near to the God who was near to him.
What if we started our prayer today by saying, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening”? God will honor that prayer. Ask him to reveal himself and his purposes to us. When God shows us who he is, in worship, through his word, in community with his people, we have no reason to fear. He blesses us so that we may bless others. When you feel God’s presence, camp out there. Stay close. Make yourself at home. In his presence is exactly where we need to be.
