Imagine that you are walking down a busy street, talking with your best friend. Someone approaches you, you focus your attention to that person. Your best friend listens while you speak to the other person. If you think the other person knows your best friend, you simply continue talking to the person who approached you.
During the conversation with the third person you might often say something to your best friend, knowing that he is there listening. You include him in the conversation, not ignoring him because you know that he is there.
If you think that the person who approached you might not know your best friend, you ask if he knows your best friend. If the third person says, “Oh, yes! I know him.” you simply continue your conversation.
If, by chance, you and your best friend are having a deep conversation, something that requires your undivided attention, you tell the third person that you are sorry but you will have to talk to him later because you are in a serious and private conversation with your best friend. Most people would say something like, “Sure. I understand. I’ll talk to you later.” Those who may not understand your need to communicate privately with your best friend may insist on your attention. Simply ask your best friend to excuse the interruption. He will understand and allow you to speak with the other person. Your best friend may seem to step aside in deference to the unknowing third person but you know that he is still there. The other person may not.
If you think that the third individual does not know your best friend, you try to introduce them. You might want to mention the great things that your best friend has done for you and that he would be glad to help him as well. Often the third party will try to dismiss the introduction, not wanting to know your best friend, You just smile and say, “well, maybe another time.”
To me, this is the way that I stay in a constant state of prayer and communication with my best friend. By the way, if you haven’t realized it, my best friend is the Holy Presence of God, The Holy Spirit of Christ.
It is quite often that I have to seclude myself with my best friend to have a serious conversation with him alone. The best part of this is that I can stay consciously in communion with my best friend.
Knowing that my best friend is there at all times gives me reason to monitor my speech and the way that I interact with others. I would never want to cause my best friend any grief, knowing that some things are not appropriate to speak of in his presence. He is my best friend after all and I love and respect him. Knowing that he is ever present and acknowledging his presence keeps me mindful as well of the things that he wants me to do.
In the New Living Translation of the Bible the word prayer or prayers is mentioned 183 times. Prayer is important. It is life changing.
Another exciting by-product of a constant state of prayer is that I have ample time to quietly listen for my best friend to speak to me. Sometimes he speaks to me in a quiet, reassuring voice. Sometimes he simply leads me to a passage in his Bible. Sometimes he has to nudge me to get my attention. This simply lets me know that he is there, ever present, watching me and guiding me.
This may seem foolish to some. God has already told me in his word that He would use the simply to confound the wise. In His Holy Scripture He has spoken to me about the reactions I would receive from the world. Jesus said that I would suffer because of Him. Being forewarned, I prepare myself daily by eating the fresh bread of His Word and wearing His full armor.
The Peace that passes all understanding be with you.
