This week we are in Ecclesiastes 5:1–7.

As an introvert I rarely speak in group settings; and when I do speak, I keep it concise to the point of awkwardness.

New friendly acquaintance: Nice to meet you. I grew up in Ohio and I’m the assistant regional manager of a family-owned business that specializes in custom envelopes for the horse racing industry. I love fishing. My wife is a teacher, and our kids are both in college. What about yourself?

Me: Hi. I’m an engineer. (Blinks; takes sip of Coke Zero)

But there’s one area where my natural brevity disappears: work emails. I’ll start writing with a clear point in mind, but then try to explain every angle and anticipate every question. Before I know it, I’ve written a term paper which I then must pare down to a few bullet points before sending. It’s not a great process, but writing it all down and then editing it does help me think it through.

Ideally, I would be more conversational in person and less conversational in emails. I could also do with some improvement when praying.

Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2 HCSB)

For sure I have the “let your words be few” part down pat. But I don’t think the lesson here is about word volume at all. My takeaway is that I need to worry less about sounding spiritual and formal and praying the “right” way, and more about simply asking God directly for help and guidance. Trying to show off in front of God when I pray is ridiculous. After all, when it comes to prayers, He’s literally heard them all.

Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:5-6 HCSB)

Being an introvert is the reason I don’t speak much in a group, but it’s for sure no excuse for not talking enough when I’m alone with God.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.