If you listen to leadership podcasts, read time management books, or hang around people of influence, you will quickly learn that success does not happen over night. Sometimes is does seem like that new hot band came out of nowhere. Once you check into them, you will soon realize that their first self funded album came out 20 years ago and they’ve been on the road ever since. During that time, they have honed in on their skills. They have learned how to interact with a crowd. They have learned how to deal with a crazy fan in the mall. They are masters of their skill! Is it because they are an overnight success or because they put in the work? Whether it is Stephen Curry on the basketball court, Jordan Smith on the Voice, and author, preacher, or _______, they have all become successful because of years of focus and dedication.
Prayer is no different.
You don’t get a quality prayer life by sitting down for ten minutes one day. Can God move the mountains in ten minutes. Yes. Do you know how to hear Him telling you to move that mountain in your life after ten minutes? Probably not. Like other aspects of life, learning to pray takes time, patience, and dedication.
Let me confess for a moment. I have a ‘day of prayer’ on my calendar once a month. When I do start that day each month in prayer, my patience is often over by noon. Those days only happen when I feel like I have that much time to give in the first place. Mark Batterson hit me between the eyes with this quote, “100 percent of the prayers I don’t pray won’t get answered.” (page 91 of The Circle Maker)
What is God calling you to today? What does He want you to circle? Who does He want you to circle? Will you take the time, have the patience, and be dedicated to listening for His voice?
