Exulted In the Grandeur of Prayer

“Prayer is the nearest approach to God, and the highest enjoyment of Him, that we are capable of in this life.”

~William Law (1686–1761)

Of all our greatest moments, as we relive them in reflection, are there better moments than approach and enjoyment of the Lord?

If we’d answer in the negative, we may have more to learn. There may be more to this mysterious art—the prayer soaked life—than we’ve yet discerned. And this is okay. The Lord our God has infinite unfathomable mysteries, some of which are attainable for us, some of which are not. The extent to which we will attain is the extent to which we will enquire. We set the agenda and God provides.

Our Lord holds nothing back. We may be, immediately, exulted in the grandeur of both Approach and Enjoyment—if we, by our ascension, would agree. We desire by our surrender. Yes, our surrender is all that’s required.

Uncovering A Mystery

Crudely put, there may be two types of servant of the Lord when it comes to prayer: one makes prayer their sole attention and they become gifted, but there’s the ever present threat of pride—‘my prayer is better than most’. The other cannot pray well enough; most of us fit into this latter category. Our prayers are situated humbly.

It’s a commonplace view that prayer, as an intrinsic activity of self-motivation, is difficult and even beyond us. Connecting with God is one thing, but breaking with the connection of the world, that seems ever more pressing, is defiantly another. Achieving one connection whilst breaking the other we see as two gargantuan problems. Two problems, however, are solved by one opportunity.

Prayer is surrendering to God in the moment, being mindful and heartfelt, singular in pursuit.

It’s not a mystery at all if we simply wish to acquaint with God; to be ever close to the Divine. When we can enjoy such quiet moments to ourselves and with our God, then is redeemed our cherished, anointed enjoyment. This is completely self-discovered. The Lord keeps us to no rules in intimacy with him and our authenticity with ourselves. We define our proximity to God.

Grandeur By Effect, Not By Process

When we think of such a thing so wholesome as to produce grandeur we’re forgiven for thinking such a thing is unattainable for us.

The best effect of prayer, in coming close and enjoying God, is grandeur. The process doesn’t require anything so fancy. The simpler the process, the grander the effect.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.