Monday, June 25, 2007

“Snapping-in” and Prayer

    In Nehemiah 2:4, it says that he “prayed to the God of heaven.”  We understand from the context, it is a short prayer, that shoots up to heaven.  These are important, but they cannot replace the solemn labor of prayer, which in fact become the basis of effectual short prayers.  
    It reminds me of years ago, when I went through Marine PLC Officer Training.  They would place us in large circles around white barrels with black “bull’s eyes” painted on them.  We spent hours practicing firing empty rifles at them in the different shooting positions (snapping-in).  The purpose?  To become very familiar with the weapon and sight picture (view of the target in the sights), and “comfortable” in the shooting positions.  Then we would go to the ranges with “live” ammunition, where the bulk of the time would be spent on developing and perfecting our shooting.  After much time spent in this training, our familiarity and practice made us ready for combat.  In that setting, we could snap into the position and effectively shoot what we were aiming at, wasting little ammo and hopefully saving lives.
    Effective praying is very similar.

In Neh.  1, he spent four months in solemn prayer, seeking the God of the covenant, confession, remembering God’s Word and works with thanksgiving and then submission.  (Leaders Start on their Knees) Praying became the attitudinal position of his heart, if not his body.  When he came before the king (entered combat), he could fire off one round, and hit the target, even with his eyes closed!  
    These quick, one-line prayers, that are shot up to heaven, will be effectual, if they have been prepared for by solemn, deliberate and scriptural praying.  This will happen because our hearts are in the proper “position,” our minds have practiced with the mechanism of prayer many times, and we have a clear “sight-picture” of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Phil.  4:6-7 - “...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)

From the sermon on Nehemiah 2. How to Serve God and Man