My friend, Brother Dewey Moede asked if I might write a series of articles to lead others into a deeper prayer life. I can share, but what I share will not move anyone to a deeper, effectual, life of prayer without a strong desire.
I once heard, or read, a story that underscores, yet in somewhat of an intense manner, the importance of desire in prayer. I share this story of unknown origin often in my prayer seminars:
As a young man walked along the beach every morning on his way to school, he would pass an old man standing on the beach, arms stretched out in prayer and intercession. Then, every afternoon as he headed home, the old man would still be standing there. Intrigued by this man’s dedication and passion for prayer, he stopped one day and asked him, “Sir, will you teach me to pray as you pray?”
The old man proceeded to grab the young man by his shirt, drag him into the ocean and push his head under water. He held the young man’s head under the water and then pulled his head up. The boy gasped and filled his lungs with air just as the old man pushed his head back under the water and held him there for another minute. The old man pulled the boy’s head back up again and allowed the desperate boy to grab a lung full of air. He did this three times.
Shaken, the young man asked him, “Why did you do that? I was only asking you how to pray!”
The old man looked at the boy and said, “Son, until you want God as badly as you just wanted air, I cannot teach you to pray.”
Desire, hunger, thirst, seeking, zeal, however expressed, is the critical building block for going deeper in prayer. It is a hunger for the Person rather than a concept.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)
“A laborer’s appetite works to his advantage, because his hunger drives him on.” (Proverbs 16:26)
“You should praise the LORD for His love. To everyone who is thirsty, He gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, He gives good things to eat.” (Psalms 107:8-9)
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2)
“With my soul have I desired Thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek Thee early: for when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9)
God desires seeking Him to be a delight not just a duty. “Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” ( Psalms 37:4)
LORD, may we each one pursue You with an intense hunger. Dear Jesus, please cause a Spirit of Prayer to fall upon each who reads or hears these words. In Your Holy Name, Amen!
Watch for ‘The Deeper Life,’ part two!