I have always loved analogies.  They are the means through which concepts that one person might not understand can then be explained in a manner that they already understand there for helping them understand the original concept.  In my work in the IT world I use them a lot to help people understand computer concepts that are confusing to them or that they don’t know yet.  Analogies are a wonderful way to teach kids things that are a little over their head and allows them the process through which they can begin to understand.  That being said let me share with you an analogy on prayer:

 Prayer is the umbilical cord that provides nourishment to the starving spirit. Prayer is the channel by which God’s life-giving presence flows to us.

Prayer brings God to us. The essence of prayer is to join God, not God joining us. We ask what is on God’s heart rather than telling God what is on our hearts.  And not that there is not times for crying out to God with our hurts and with our concerns.  But we must make sure that we keep the right perspective on prayer.  It is not a time to rub the magic lamp and get three wishes it is a time for God’s will and God’s concerns to be feed to our spirit.  A great biblical example of this is Solomon and his prayer and God’s response:

2 Chronicles 1:9-12 (New American Standard Bible)

9“Now, O LORD God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.
10“Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?” 11God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king,
12wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.”

Solomon asked for God to give him the wisdom to lead as God wanted, basically meaning he was asking what was God’s heart on how things should be done.  He was not asking for the genie to grant him three wishes.  And the final point of that is to look at how God responded.  God blessed Solomon above anything that he could have asked for in the first place.  So much that he would be remembered for it by those who come after him.  When is the last time that you came to God to find out His heart versus rubbing the magic lamp?

God Bless ~ Tyler