Stop praying.

What a crazy idea, right? Please read:

What if I said, "Stop praying"? What if I told you to stop talking at God for a while, but instead to take a long, hard look at Him before you speak another word? Solomon warned us not to rush into God's presence with words. That's what fools do. And often, that's what we do. (crazy love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan)

Guilty as charged. I'm a fool. Why is it that when I pray, "spend time" with God, and read my Bible, I rush into words? Prayer is supposed to be communication, right? And a very expensive piece of paper (my diploma) shows I'm proficient in the study of communication, and just about every definition in the discipline defines communication as a two-way interaction. All that to say, prayer is two-sided. It is an interaction.

So, I wonder, what would happen if I stopped praying? ...if I stopped talking at God, and started realizing who He is and what He is about. God is infinite, omniscient, omnipotent… God is love. Francis writes,

I believe He wants us to love others so much that we go to extremes to help them. I believe He wants us to be known for giving--of our time, our money, and our abilities-- and to start a movement of "giving" churches. In so doing, we can alleviate the suffering in the world and change the reputation of His bride in America.

So what would happen if I, if we, if the church chooses to love people that much? I'm interested in finding out.