“Listen, for I will speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will reveal right things.” (Proverbs 8:6, NASB)
I recently played in a four-man team golf tournament with three very good friends. We all wanted so much to play well and help the team. What that really means is that we didn’t want to embarrass ourselves, and we also wanted to impress each other. Can I get an amen?
Golf is a tough game, with moments of joy and even more moments of frustration.Now, here is the story about two-way prayer and how this intersects with a golf tournament. The day before the tournament as we discussed our team strategy, one of my friends told a story of being introduced to a new ministry at his church. It was more about listening than praying. We beseech and plead with God for our wants and needs. We lay it all out there and do it often. But my question is: how often do we really stop and listen to God’s response? Listening is an important part of prayer.
I know, it probably is not an audible response, but if we are sincere and quiet, we may just hear God’s response in our spirit. We may, I daresay, feel his response. To do so, we must wait in quiet: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, NIV).
This may be a little transparent but necessary to make this concept of two-way prayer come alive. The next morning I asked God to use this time with good friends, who are also a part of Links Players, to enjoy these moments together as we played golf and talked about important things. So I prayed on the side of the bed. And then I listened. I was quiet and still. I then really thought I heard God say in my spirit:
Who are you trying to impress with your golf game? I believe that you are trying to impress others so that you look better. What kind of motive is that? I have you here right now to encourage and serve others, not to impress them. I want you to relax and enjoy this time I have loaned you. They don’t need to know more about you or your golf game. They need to know more about me.
Now, what do I do? My attitude and demeanor did not change overnight. Golf is a tough game, with moments of joy and even more moments of frustration. We need to get used to it and accept it. It is just a game, but our life is forever. We need to recognize that more is at play here than the score we return.
By the grace of God and my choice to know him better, I am listening for the answers to my prayers. I am learning daily. By listening. I know God more deeply, and he has been generous to fill my mind with thoughts of him as I quiet my soul early in the mornings. Thank you, Jesus, for speaking in a way I can understand. I do want to get better.
Jesus already knows your most passionate prayer. Be still and listen carefully. He could speak life-changing words into your world and spirit today.
—
Randy Wolff
November 7, 2017
Copyright 2017 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.