While on tour at Clowes Hall on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, world renowned violinist Isaac Stern was asked by music students from the Indiana University School of Music how it is that he is one of the premier violinists in the world. Mr. Stern paused for a few seconds then responded: “I have to practice each and every day. If I don’t practice for a day, I know my performance the next day is not my best. If I don’t practice for two days, my children can tell. If I don’t practice for three days, my public and critics know it.”
In an interesting and reflective way, I believe this writer’s presence with the other students to listen to Mr. Stern’s reflections apply to my prayer habits. If I go a day without praying and reading the Bible, I feel as though I hear the voice of God wanting to talk to me but I do not reply in a friendly manner. Are we not supposed to have a relationship? Relationships are not truly relationships unless there in interaction between the parties. I also feel as though something is missing and not right even if I miss one day. If I go two days, people close to me and clients notice a negative change in me. And if go a third day without prayer and reading of the Bible, there are bound to be people I meet who will find me less warm and responsive than I would want to be.
Have you and your noticed in you what a day without prayer and Scripture in your day is life? What are you going to do about it? Prayer and Scriptural reading is a habit—the best habit you can establish!!!!
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