Faith That Overflows

Faith That Overflows

If your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? . . . How much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:9, 11

PEOPLE WHO KNEW GEORGE MÜLLER said his prayers sounded like a conversation between intimate friends. At its heart, that’s what prayer really is—an intimate conversation between persons who know each other well. God already knows us in detail, of course, but the way we talk to him changes as we grow closer and know him better. Our prayers are not requisitions or purchase orders submitted to an accounting office. We are conversing with someone who loves us deeply, invites our love in return, and wants us to live out our relationship as his representatives on earth.

That kind of relationship doesn’t remain secret forever. God’s presence came through in Müller’s prayers. There’s a reason people said his prayers sounded like intimate conversations: They were witnesses to them. They recognized the familiarity between man and God and marveled at how it sounded—and what it accomplished.

God does not call us to flaunt our prayers (just the opposite, in fact), but he does urge us not to hide our light or become secret believers. At some point, whether or not anyone ever hears our prayers, people should recognize our relationship with our Father. We are not focused exclusively on what God wants us to do, like obedient servants, nor are we focused only on what we want him to give us. We are children of the King, and our words reflect that family relationship. The best way for people to know they can have that kind of relationship is to see it in real life.

When you have spent much time in prayer and are saturated in the Father’s presence, you will be noticeably different—perhaps not to everyone, but to some. Confident, assured faith stands out. A relationship of trust with an unseen God appears delusional to some but inviting to others, especially when they see him answer. Your prayers may begin in the closet, but they have implications for the world. Let your life display a God who responds warmly to the hearts of his children.

By prayer the Christian can open his heart to God, as to a friend, and obtain fresh testimony of God’s friendship to him.