How Specific Should We Pray?

"This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’—let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”

Genesis 24:14 

 

Abraham sent one of his servants to find a wife for his son, Isaac.  Now, this servant knew of the God of Abraham, and Abraham had told this servant that God would sent His angel ahead to prepare the wife for Isaac.  So off the servant went, wondering how he would be able to find the proper wife for Isaac and how he would not disappoint Abraham.

 

When he arrived at a spring, he prayed a VERY specific prayer:  "I will ask one of the young women for a drink from her water jug. IF SHE SAYS: 'Yes, have a drink, AND I will water your camels too.'" IF this happens, I will know that she is the one God has chosen.  This servant didn't even finish his prayer before Rebekah came for water.  The interchange this servant had with Rebekah was EXACTLY what he had asked God as proof.

 

The more I pondered this passage, the more I began to realize how many of my prayers were simply "small talk."  "Small Talk" are those niceties we say to one another, where we talk about the weather, the latest game, and nothing really of any substance.  I was reminded how much I dislike "small talk" when I had a truly in-depth conversation with a coworker.  We talked about things that actually made a difference, and it was FANTASTIC!  That is the kind of conversation I want and need to have with God!  Very Specific! Very in-depth!  Very Often!