“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?” (Genesis 4:6 KJV)
So many times when we read through and discuss Genesis 4, we focus on the story of Cain and Able. It is a great story packed with detail worthy of a discussion, but are we missing the more important dialog? In fact, speaking of dialog, we see sign posts of events, i.e. Cain and Able each bring sacrifices, one is accepted and the other rejected, Cain talks to his brother Able, and Cain kills him. A good string of events, but not much actual dialog recorded. The actual dialog is between God and Cain. So, if prayer is essentially a dialog between God and us, let’s listen in. Perhaps we can pick up on what elements a real dialog with God contains. This could be useful in our own dialog with God.
Somehow Cain knew the conviction that his sacrifice was lacking. God asks him about this. God then clues Cain in on something that Cain may not be able to see. A picture of sin crouching. Waiting to devour him. Cain doesn’t respond directly to God, but in a way that he thinks he can overcome what he believes is the barrier. After Able is dead, God approaches Cain again with a conviction. God continues with a sentence. Cain appeals the sentence (without repentance of the sin). Finally, God gives a degree of protection in the sentence.
Do you see a few repetitive themes in this? Themes that may show up in many prayers since? God is aware of what is going on. God approaches us in righteousness which we often interpret as conviction because of our unrighteousness. God gives us a certain freedom in when and how we are going to respond. God listens to our response even if it’s not the best response. There is mercy to be found even in conviction if we will ask for it.
So, what is obvious and worth recognizing to enhance a dialogue with God? God seeks justice for both us and the other guy. Seek it too! God is actually interested in building us up. In relying on God, we can overcome. Every time you ask for his assistance and presence, he gives it! One way or another. Rather than giving us something and washing his hands of it like a manager who delegates, God gives us things that we might learn to trust in him so that he can give us more. If something that we’re going to have to master is going to be bigger than smaller, run towards him. Don’t walk away from him. Unbelief draws you away from the very one that you ought to be going toward. These things will enhance what prayer does. It will take prayer from a conversation into a way of moving. It will take prayer from a request list to a time of replenishment and growth. Literally like a deer panting for water because the essence of your soul has found goodness.
“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” (Matthew 26:53-54 KJV)