Prayer as Dialogue

Prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue between us and God. Solomon wisely admonishes-- " Guard your steps as you go to the house of God, and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2). God speaks to us through His word, but how often in our day do we stop to listen. How often in our prayers do we pause to let what God's word says impact us or to sit silently waiting for the Lord to bring people, circumstances situations to mind that need prayer. All too often I find myself "hasty" and "impulsive" and then I realize that I'm treating God as some sort of a "genie" rather than recognizing His majesty.