How Long Has It Been

Have you ever experienced a time of having a deep conversation with God that you so loved, enjoyed that could not forget? I am not talking about a prayer asking for a favor or a blessing; but a prayer that came from your innermost being and a prayer when you listened to Him with all of your heart. I meant the kind of prayer that was not rushed because you were hungry or busy. Perhaps, a prayer you would not want to end because you felt you needed God and you were longing for His presence. I am sure you know what I meant. Well, I could remember those times. 

I could remember several sweet hours of prayer with the Lord as a young man; when I committed a special quiet time with God during the wee hours in the morning, when everybody was asleep. It was a time God made me feel His presence and His warm embrace; and a time when I could clearly hear His still small voice as He expressed His love to me. I could remember coming to Him, prostrated, which lasted for an hour and more. I would never forget being drenched with tears; having mixed emotions of joy and sorrow because of regrets due to my unfaithfulness. Finally, I would never forget the feeling of total satisfaction and peace at the end of my prayer; knowing I was forgiven and restored. OH! I am longing for that opportunity again and again. 

If there is anything I would like to see resulting from this devotional is to restore our desire and longing to have a quiet time with the Lord, and to come boldly to His throne of grace and humbly pray! 

When was the last time you prayed and talked to God with all your spirit, heart, and soul? Perhaps, you and I are like most Christians, who pray only to fulfill a religious duty or maybe pray because we feel we have no choice. Too often, we pray when there is a need to ask God for something or we are in a bind in need of divine intervention. Most people, sadly, only pray when they are about to eat and feel that is all what the Lord deserves.

The song, “How long has it been," was written by Thomas Mosie Lister. He had written several heart warming songs, but many people consider this song as the most loved, heart-searching, and heart-warming song among his many compositions. It speaks straight to my heart and I am sure it will speak to you as well. Here is the song with the complete lyrics. May the Lord touches your heart as it does mine.

“How Long has it been”

By Thomas Mosie Lister

I. How long has it been, since you talked to the Lord,
And told Him your heart's hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed,
How long since you stayed,
On your knees 'til the light shone through? 

How long has it been since your mind felt at ease,
How long since your heart knew no burden?
Can you call Him your friend,
How long has it been,
Since you knew that He cared for you?

II. How long has it been since you knelt by your bed,
And prayed to the Lord up in Heaven?
How long since you knew,
That He'd answer you,
And would keep you the long night through? 

How long has it been since you woke with the dawn,
And felt that the day's worth the living?
Can you call Him your friend,
How long has it been,
Since you knew that He cared for you?

III. How long has it been since you talked with the Lord,
And told Him your heart's hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed,
How long since you stayed,
On your knees 'til the light shone through? 

How long has it been since you woke with the dawn,
And felt that the days' worth the living?
Can you call Him your friend?
How long has it been,
Since you knew that He cared for you?

God desires and longs for our worship and obedience. As His children, He is longing for our fellowship and the only way to have that is to pray. This is the only opportunity we can communicate to God everything He deserves from us. Since this is the only way, it must behoove us to be in the attitude of prayer every time we approach Him in Worship and in service. When the Bible tells us to pray without ceasing, it means that whatever we do; may it be worship, singing, listening to preaching and teaching, and serving God; prayer must be involved. Prayer is the attitude we need to develop and it must always be connected with everything we do if we want to express our love for the Lord.

However, because prayer is a common element in everything we do for God, don’t you think we need to seriously consider to have a special time with Him? A time to stop or pause whatever we do and “be still and know,” and have a sweet and intimate fellowship with our loving Savior? To have a time alone with the Lord is precious, not only to us, but also to Him. So, let me ask you again, “How long has it been since you talked to the Lord?”

Conclusion;

There should be no hesitation from us for our gracious God and Savior has already said to “come boldly unto the throne of grace.” What are we waiting for? It is time to arrange that special time and place when and where we can have a personal and intimate experience with our loving Lord without any concern about time and distractions. We all need this! 

Philippians 4:6-7 - “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”