February 24, 2003
CYBERCOLUMN:
A deeper walk
___By Donna Van Cleve
___The camera pans across the stadium, pausing on a smiling face holding a hand-made sign that says, "Hi Dad! Send money!"
___That scene usually brings a smile to my face, but at the same time, I think the child's father would rather see a different message broadcast to the world from his child.
___I wonder if that is what God sees at times, looking across his congregation during worship services. Instead of praises and grateful, submissive hearts worshipping him in spirit and in truth, does hesometimes see only our requests and intercessions in lieu of worship? That's not to say those aren't important aspects of our prayer life and walk with the Lord, but I think God would like for us eventually get to know him in a deeper way than simply as our need-meeter.
DONNA VAN CLEVE
___Our church recently completed 40 Days of Purpose, based on Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?" The study pulled into focus the five purposes of life—worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism. Much of it covered concepts I knew, but it brought it all together in laser clarity what our lives should be focused on. And contrary to popular belief, it ain't us. It's God.
___I've been using my 25-minute drive to work as a prayer time, which usually consists of a number of thank-yous and a whole lot of intercessory prayer. After the second week of study, titled "Worship: You Were Planned for God's Pleasure," I decided one morning I would spend my prayer time just visiting with God instead of the usual prayer requests and intercessions. It went something like this:
___"Good morning, Father."
___And for the next 10 minutes, I was silent. I honestly didn't know what to talk to him about. Most of my prayer life has followed the pattern of thank yous followed by intercession. "Hi Dad. Send money. Send wisdom. Send healing. Send salvation. Send reconciliation. Send peace. Send job. Send protection. …"
___ Who have I been talking to all these years?
___On Sunday morning, I walked into the kitchen and looked at the Valentine on the refrigerator that my 2-year-old granddaughter had scribbled in reds and pinks. Her mom had written a sweet message across the top of the paper and had drawn some hearts for Audrie to color. I didn't mind that her mother had prompted Audrie's Valentine. Audrie was so proud of it, and I loved it. She's also at the stage where she mimics everything we say, and it's hard for her to express herself at times. But I'm looking forward to the day when Audrie will be able to communicate her own thoughts with me and convey her love to me without prompting. That eventually happened with my own children, and our relationship grew beyond being only a need-meeter and security blanket. We became friends.
___It's been 40 years since I accepted Christ into my heart. I've been working for years in trying to allow him to be Lord of my life in all areas. I know he's holy and awesome and mighty. I know him as my Savior, my Abba, my need-meeter and security blanket. And I know he loves me no less for having to be prompted by the church or a Bible study to express my love and worship of him. But I think he's waited long enough for me to communicate with him beyond his role of provider.
___It's about time I get to know him as a friend.
___Donna Van Cleve is a writer and wife of one, mother of two, and grandmother of Audrie, and is a new member of Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin.
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