I have no
idea how many forms of communication exist coming under the category of social
media. The 21st century offers us possibilities beyond the dreams of
us mid-twentieth century folks. Social media for my family growing up on a farm
in Kentucky was the party line phone when everyone picked up their receivers at
the same time.
Gurus in the
communication world are insistent that involvement in social media is critical
for success in the world. The language of social media must be learned as
surely as any other language. If the individual is to know and be known beyond
the walls of their own closet, then a comfortable use of Facebook, Twitter,
texting, or any of several dozen other forms of social media must exist. They
cannot be just understood. They must be used!
In the
eighteenth chapter of Luke, Jesus urges his listeners to use the divine social
medium of prayer. He shares insights for how often to use it, what the content
ought to be, and what results should be sought. For Jesus and every believer in
the God whom he revealed, prayer was and is the most important form of
communication.
Prayer
should be the believer’s most important form of communication for several
reasons. It can and should be two-way on a regular basis. It strengthens the
relationship between those involved. If done properly it is life transforming.
It allows an impact on those who are not a part of the communication circle.
Many forms
of social media leave you guessing if anyone is out there, just like this blog.
I have no idea how many may be reading it, if anyone. I can check the stats but
they tell me only how many visits have been made, not if it is the same person
twenty times or if the visit came from a machine.
With prayer
I know someone is listening. I have been given the assurance that every prayer
will be heard. (Jeremiah 29:12; Romans 8:26; Philippians 4:6-7) There is never
a bad connection with God. Static, weather, and wi-fi are never factors. The
only things that can hinder prayer are the walls we build between us and God.
(Psalm 66:16-19; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 59:1-2; Luke 18:9-14)
God not only
promises he will listen, he would also like for us to go silent occasionally so
we can hear him. Mostly this involves us getting our minds off our own
interests and focusing upon what are his priorities. Conversations between two
people go much better if we are willing to use questions that open discussion
instead of statements reflecting only our own position. God is able to guide
and support us far more when we open our spirits to his written word and the
wisdom to be gained by listening to the experiences of believers who have
traveled the path ahead of us. (Philippians 4:8; I Peter 5:5)
In prayer we
seek the One we feel can hear and answer. The more we pray the more we grow in
our dependency upon God. The more we pray the more we come to understand the
One to whom we are speaking. We see more into his nature and become more like
him. Prayer transforms the one who prays.
I confess I
do not understand how God uses prayer to make his will known or put power
behind his miracles. God doesn’t need me to help him I would think. Yet we are
called to pray and with great perseverance. (Luke 18:1-8; Ephesians 6:18; I
Thessalonians 5:17) Somehow God uses my prayers to touch the lives of my
scattered family members, the churches I serve, and people on the far side of
the world.
Social media
puts us in contact with family and friends across the state and around the
world allowing us to convey thoughts and images. Prayer allows us to unite with
the will of God and influence the course of history. You can’t beat a social
medium like that.
