Have you ever had the experience of trying to pray, but your mind is full of inner distracting thoughts? The author in chapter 4 talks about the “white noise” that needs to be controlled and quieted, while our head and hearts become focused on God and his agenda.
To assist in “Getting Focused” the author suggests that one ponder the character of God by reflecting on the names of God. Beltz recounts that God revealed to Moses his name, transliterated by the four Hebrew consonants as YHWH. This is a form of the Hebrew verb ‘to be’ and can be translated as: “I am”, “I cause to be”, and “I will be, who I will be.” These meanings help us to focus on God’s sovereign power in the universe as well as in one’s life. The author adds to this seven other compound names built on the fundamental name YHWH (download the assignment below).
As we focus on God and his character and respond with praise and thanksgiving, our awareness of God is heightened; we enter his presence, or as the Psalmist writes we enter into his courts (see Ps 100). This brings vitality to our prayers and spiritually prepares us for the next component of prayer.
Click here to download this week’s assignment.
0 Responses to “Becoming a man of prayer – getting focused (ch. 4)”