CHAPTER SIXTEEN: HOW YOU CAN DRAW CLOSE TO GOD

A TOURIST visiting an Oriental country was amazed at the religious rituals she observed at a Buddhist temple. Although the images were not those of Mary or Christ, many of the rituals resembled those of her church back home.  For instance, she noted the use of rosaries and the chanting of prayers. Others too have made such comparisons. East or West, the ways in which devotees try to draw close to God or the objects of their worship are remarkably similar. 

Many especially try to draw close to God by praying to him. Praying has been described as "an act of communication by man with the sacred or holy-God, the gods, the transcendent realm, or supernatural powers."  (The New Encyclopedia Britannica) When approaching God in prayer, however, some think only in terms of what they can get out of it.   For example, a man once asked one of Jehovah's Witnesses:  "If you pray for me, will the problems I have in my family, at work, and with my health be solved?"  Apparently the man thought so, but many pray and find that their problems persist. So we might ask, 'Just why should we draw close to God?' 

WHY DRAW CLOSE TO GOD?

Prayer is not an empty ritual, nor is it merely a means in which to gain something.  A major reason for approaching God is to have a close relationship with him. Our prayers should therefore be directed to Jehovah God.  "Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him,"said the psalmist David. (Psalm 145:18) Jehovah invites us to come into a peaceful relationship with him.  (Isaiah 1:18) Those responding to this invitation agree with the psalmist who said;  "As for me, the drawing near to Jehovah God will enjoy true happiness and peace of mind. -Psalm 73:28.  

Why pray to God for help if he 'knows what we need before we ask him'?   (Matthew 6:8; Psalm 139:4)  Prayer shows that we have faith in God and view him as the Source of "every good gift and every perfect present." (James 1:17; Hebrews 11:6) Jehovah takes pleasure in our prayers.  (Proverbs 15:8)  He is glad to hear our meaningful expressions of appreciation and praise, just as a father rejoices at hearing his young child speak sincere words of gratitude.  (Psalm 119:108)  Where there is a food father-child relationship, there is warm communication. A  child who is loved wants to talk to his father.  The same is true when it comes down to our relationship  with God.  If we really appreciate what we are learning about Jehovah and the love he has shown for us, we will have a strong desire to express ourselves to him in prayer. -1 John 4:16-18. 

When approaching the Most High God, we should be respectful, though there is no need to worry excessively  about the exact words that we use.  (Hebrews 4:16) We always have access to Jehovah. And what a privilege it is that we can 'pour our heart' to God in prayer!  (Psalm 62:8) Appreciation for Jehovah leads to a warm relationship with him, like the one that the faithful man Abraham enjoyed as God's friend.  (James 2:23) But when praying to the Sovereign Lord of the universe, we must comply with his requirements for approaching him. 

Next time: HOW YOU CAN DRAW CLOSE TO GOD/REQUIREMENTS FOR DRAWING CLOSE TO GOD

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life