Day 12 - Principle 5: Relax and be Receptive

Despite the fact that I have done very few* things perfectly at the first try, I somehow had the idea that if you're doing something for God it must be perfect every time, no exceptions allowed.  After all, this is God and if it's not perfect

1. it is just not good enough,
2. God is liable to like me less (and I'm already on shaky ground, poor miserable sinner) and
3. I might get struck with boils or leprosy or something equally heinous and horrible.

Where do we** get these stupid, stupid ideas?  When did we start painting God as a bogeyman instead of the loving Father that He is?

Worst of all, how badly do we know Him if this is the picture we have of Him?  What kind of relationship do we have with Him?

This is a big reason why many people find it difficult to open up to God and be receptive to Him. 

There are some things that you must realise:

1. God loves you.As far as He is concerned you are the best thing since sliced bread.  You are the belle of the ball, the apple of His eye.
2. God (the Creator of the heavens and earth, the almighty God, the Lord of hosts,  the One Who introduces Himself as "I am") is eager to spend time with you.  He looks forward to welcoming you in His presence, to listen to you and to talk to you.

Now once you realise the above, how can you not relax and be receptive in His presence? 

As you get ready to pray, set your mind at ease by reminding yourself about these things.  Relax your body by doing a relaxation exercise***.  In 15 Ways to more Effective Prayer Selwyn Hughes describes such a relaxation routine.  You can also Google and find some exercises online.


* very few = none, last time I looked...
** ok, I know you're perfect and this doesn't apply to you.  But I'm sure there's someone else reading it who is not perfect.  It's written for him (and me).
***If you already know an efficient relaxation exercise, post it here so that everybody can take advantage of it.