I don't think anyone would argue with me that with the advancement of the internet, 24/7 news channels, social media and phones that double as computers our society has become one that demands instant satisfaction and information. We have become trained to expect answers NOW, joy NOW, connections NOW. When we don't get what we want when we want it, we become annoyed, irritated or flustered.
I experienced this just the other day with my thirteen year old son. Due to our proximity to Oklahoma we were startled by an earthquake around 7:00 am this past Saturday. It lasted less than two minutes. But while the earthquake was still going Jaedon wanted me to check the internet to see how big it was. I tried explaining to him that it was too soon for me to find out the magnitude while the earth was still shaking. He wasn't satisfied. He wanted to know. So, we got on the internet and went to the first place I figured I would find answers: Facebook. And wouldn't you know it, I already had at least ten friends posting about it. Within a couple minutes someone else had found out how big it was and posted it for all to see. We had (if not instance) pretty darn quick gratification to our curiosity.
The desire for quickness and the pursuit of it is not always a bad thing. But there is one area I have seen this desire creeping in that I think we all need to be cautious about. Three times this week I've heard someone say, "Let's just say a quick prayer and then we'll get started." Before I go on, let me just say that I am as guilty of saying this as the people I heard saying it. I am also guilty of doing it. So, now you know... I'm not a saint!
My concern is this: what message are we sending to those around us when the Creator of the universe gets "just a quick prayer" before we start our worship services, our Bible studies, our meetings or our meals? To the watching world our "quick prayer" to get us started can appear as nothing more than a meditative chant or a superstitious ritual. Is that what it is? Is that how we unintentionally treat it? Do we pray before we begin something because that's just what we're supposed to do?
Or do we pray before we begin because we want our Creator/Redeemer/Savior/God to be glorified through our service? Do we want Him to be present? Do we want to feel His presence? Do we want to know Him more?
If the creator of the universe had the patience to put a plan into motion for the salvation of His creation that would take thousands of years to come to fruition, shouldn't we have the patience (and the desire) to give Him more than "just a quick prayer"? When we pray, we are entering the presence of God! Do we act like it? Do we give Him the proper respect, adoration, and time He deserves?
Before I sign off, let me add that I don't think all short prayers are bad. Often, especially in the midst of tragedy, that is all we can muster in our agony. But if ALL our prayers are short, quick prayers it's like all we're doing with God is having small talk. I don't know about you, but no lasting relationship I've ever had has subsisted only on small talk. Deeper conversation was required to develop a deeper relationship. And God is someone with whom I desire to have a deep relationship. That may mean I need to let go of some things so that I have the margin in my life to spend time leisurely talking with God. He's worth the time.
