Why do we always think in terms of discipline and duty when referencing the spiritual opportunities that God invites us to participate in? For example, what about prayer? Prayer is not a work; it is a privilege. Luke 5:16 says, “But He Himself would often slip away to isolated places to pray.” I don’t think Jesus did that out of a sense of duty. I believe Jesus spent time with his Father because it was a delight to Him, and Jesus as man understood the mystery of prayer. The mystery and magic of prayer are part of the fascinating wonder that God has included us through Christ into the fellowship and activity of the Trinity. I asked the Lord one time, “What happens when we fast?” He answered, “Things move.” So I asked, “What things move Lord,” and He answered, “Everything.” Normally, a Westerner would want more information than that for the purpose of being able to explain it all, but as I’ve gotten older, I have become more childlike, and I am very content with that answer. I don’t have to understand; I’m just thrilled that I’ve been invited to “dive in.” Things happen when we pray, and all I know is that our heavenly Father loves to invite us to participate in Sovereign God moving the pieces around. It brings Him great pleasure to involve us in His activity on the earth through our prayers. He is not mad when we don’t pray. He is thrilled when we do because He loves to include us, just like any loving and joyful father would. He knows how much joy it brings us to partner with Him in governing the affairs of mankind. He could do it all without our participation, but He chooses not to because He loves us so much.
