Are we Chatting or Praying?

One of the most beautiful prayers that I have heard, or read, is:

Most merciful Father,

The only question I have is if we really mean it when we pray it within the setting of Worship.  Many recite this, and other prayers as part of Worship – maybe even as part of their daily routine, but do they really engage our thoughts, hearts, and lives.  Have we merely brought them to a place of liturgical use rather than opening our hearts to the true meaning of the words we say.  Are we really sorry for the things we have done, and not done.  Do we truly repent for not loving God with our whole heart, or our neighbors as ourselves.

I suspect that we WANT to repent and we want to be sorry, but that we too often get back into the same grind of life without taking the time to reflect and transform from the caterpillar into the butterfly.

If you want to truly repent and become new take some time and mull over what sins you have committed – ask God to point them out – remember He convicts not condemns.  Ask God to show you where you did not love Him completely and where you did not love your neighbor as yourself.

When you do, you will find power and promise from on high.  AND you will stop chatting and start praying.