I got home from work and the smell of chili in the air was fantastic! My wife had taken the time to make a large pot of chili on the stove. I sat my computer down and grabbed a spoon so I could taste and see the chili as it continued to simmer.

I’m still reading in the first chapters of Psalms. I can’t seem to move beyond the depth of prayer that David experienced. I linger over Chapter 5 where David says to God,

“Every morning you’ll hear me at it again. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for the fire to descend.” (5:2-3, The Message).

Skip down to verses 7-8, “And here I am, your invited guest – it’s incredible! I enter your house, here I am, prostrate in your inner sanctum, waiting for directions to get me through enemy lines.”

There is a depth of living in God’s presence that I want to experience. it seems like I don’t spend the time necessary to move beyond the surface of this life. I note in these words of David that God could count on him, “EVERY MORNING I lay out the pieces of my life…”

David had a time and he was consistent in going before the Lord. He was also patient as I read in verse 8, “Waiting for directions to get me safely through enemy lines.”

My prayer life so often is me running out the door, sipping my coffee, while racing to work. At least I have the every morning piece of this together. It’s strange that I expect to know how God wants me to navigate my life on this hap-hazard prayer time racing to work.

It’s time I throw away my microwaved prayers and learn to simmer in the Lord’s presence so that the fragrance can fill up the room… fill up my life so that others can say, “Hey, there is something about that guy.” That something being the love of Jesus.

We sat down for leftover chili the next evening and each bowl had been individually microwaved for the sake of time. As we sat down to eat we discovered not all the bowls had been heated thoroughly. The chili was only hot on the surface.

It’s time to move beyond the surface and dig deep into the presence of God every morning and to wait for his direction.

I am feeling desperate… I really want to get God’s attention. I want to know that He hears me when I pray. I want to understand Him more and to go deeper in His love and grace.

As I read Psalms in The Message, I see David’s unique way of communicating to God through praise and prayer. This morning I’m reading one of his prayers found in Psalm 17. He begins with, “Listen while I build my case, GOD, the most honest prayer you’ll ever hear.”

David does not lack confidence as he approaches his Heavenly Father. He was sure of himself and he was sure of the One he sought. He spoke directly to God, “Go ahead, examine me from the inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night – You’ll find I’m just what I say I am. My words don’t run loose.” (17:3).

In verse three, he is honest before God. There is not manipulation in his words to try and get his way. He lays his life out before God and asks for an examination. Much like how we do when we go to a doctor for a full physical on our physical health. We want the truth from the doctor and we hide nothing from them.

I have a strong desire to be used in God’s plan on this earth. I want to be available to be used by Him however He desires. Sometimes I seem to get lost in this pursuit. During the last several years I have been in pursuit of this but the circumstances of my life have thrown me a nasty curve ball I wasn’t looking for. I struck out. I was even hit by a pitch. Now I’m on deck warming up and I am starting to fear getting into the batters box.

“I’m staying on your trail; I’m putting one foot in front of the other. I’m not giving up.” (17:5).

David prays in verses 6-7, “I call to you, GOD, because I’m sure of an answer. So – answer! bend your ear! listen sharp! Paint grace-graffiti on the fences; take in your frightened children who are running from the neighborhood bullies straight to you.”

David sought God desperately to get away from the clutches of his enemies. He prayed what he wanted to see happen to those who came up against him. (17:10-14). He didn’t hold back and presented his circumstance to the Father.

Finally in 17:15, “And me? I plan on looking you full in the face. When I get up, I’ll see your full stature and live heaven on earth.” David knew victory would be his. He knew who he was and he knew his GOD… he trusted with all his heart. David didn’t give up or give in. He stayed hot on the trail seeking GOD.

Let’s do the same!!