Oswald Chambers frequently delves into the true purpose of prayer. In one of his daily readings in My Utmost for His Highest he writes:

“The only abiding reality is God Himself, and His order comes to me moment by moment. Am I continually in touch with the reality of God, or do I pray only when things have gone wrong – when there is some disturbance in my life? I must learn to identify myself closely with my Lord in ways of holy fellowship and oneness that some of us have not yet even begun to learn. ‘I must be about my Father’s business’ (Luke 2:49) – and I must learn to live every moment in my Father’s house….Are you so closely identified with the Lord’s life that you are simply a child of God, continually talking to Him and realizing that everything comes from His hands?

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The true purpose of prayer is oneness with God. Fellowship with the Father that continuously makes us aware of His presence and fills us with an indestructible, deep peace and joy, no matter how busily we are running around or what the ups and downs of our life may be.

That stands in direct relation to the need to feed our soul through prayer. It is easy to lose the joy in fellowship with the Father when all we seem to do is fight spiritual battles and pray over the humongous crises that have exploded around us.

Not only will it wear you out, it will distract you from experiencing the closeness of God’s love because war feels incongruous with love.

And that is the last thing the Father wants. Here’s a sampling of His feelings about fellowship with you and me, the “people called by His name:”

“Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” declares the Lord.” Zechariah 2:10

“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” John 14:23

“For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’ “ 2 Corinthians 6:16

“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice, I will come to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

As I said, just a sampling. There is much more.

My encouragement for you is to not give up praying for our church and nation as the Holy Spirit gives you insight, but to balance asking with basking.

Today’s Prayer Assignment

Take some time today to meditate on God’s love. On the true purpose of prayer. On the incredible privilege of being able to call the God of the Universe our Father, our Dad. Let His love come to you and satisfy you (Psalm 90:14). And talk to Him continuously throughout your day. You will get the inescapable feeling He is right there, all the time. And He is!

Perhaps this is also a good time to reread a resource we use in our True Identity retreats and study book, and meditate on its verses. It’s called: The Father’s Love letter.

You’ll find it in audio, video, and PDF form here: https://www.fathersloveletter.com/

Fellowship with the Father. Hanging out with Dad. That’s essentially what fellowship means. It is your privilege and His desire for you. Make the most of it!

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