{Lessons from Psalms and Paul}
I have had some wonderful conversations about prayer recently.
What does prayer look like?
How do you make time for prayer?
How do you balance prayer for yourself vs. prayer for others?
How do you pray?
To which my glamorous answer is “I could write a book on prayer! It’d be 3 words: JUST.DO.IT.”
It’s that simple, carve out time to pray and just do it.
If it’s that simple, then why is it SO HARD??
Really why is my prayer place the hardest place to find?
If God has given me enough time in the day to spend with Him, why can’t I ever find time to pray??
I constantly feel like my prayer time is lacking, not enough, I didn’t ask the right thing, etc. I probably confess prayerlessness more often than any other sin.
And that’s when I remember the simplicity of prayer . . . it’s simply talking to God. It’s a gift from the Father to communicate with Him, lay our burdens down, petition Him, thank Him, delight in Him, and grow in Him.
When I read through the Psalms, I see David’s prayers. They didn’t always start out with “adoration, then confession, then thanksgiving, etc”. They were honest, heartfelt, and genuine. Sometimes begging the LORD for His presence, sometimes pleading for deliverance from His enemies, and sometimes praise for who God is!
So I learned from David and the psalmists that prayer can be honest, authentic, real, full of fear or full of hope, full of petitions and full of praise.
I have often wondered why my prayer life feels like I was asking Santa for my Christmas wish list rather than asking the Most High God for His will to be done in my life. Then I remember Paul’s chapter 1 prayers in most of his letters.
He would pray for things like this:
“9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)
“9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Colossians 1:9-12)
Paul prayed for people to be filled with knowledge and wisdom, to bear the fruit of righteousness, strength, thanksgiving, etc.
I wonder what would happen if our prayers started to sound like this? What if instead of asking for things to be added/removed in our life, we started praying like Paul did . . . asking for knowledge, for our love to grow, wisdom, discernment, to bear good fruit? What if we were more intentional about our time with the LORD and honest in our prayers like the psalmists?
Prayer can be so much more than asking God for stuff. It can be a place we go to God to give praise, thanksgiving, confess, and be strengthened. It’s a place we can lay our burdens down and surrender our fear in exchange for hope.
This week, I’ll work hard to get to my prayer place. I’ll use the Psalms and Paul’s Chapter 1 prayers as my guide. Will you?
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Friday, November 16, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Cleaning the Junk Drawer
Praying this prayer is like cleaning out the junk drawer.
You need to do it.
You’re not sure what you’ll find.
It’s easier to keep it closed and pretend like it’s all okay.
You’ll find things in there you never knew you had.
In the end, you’ll have lots to throw away and you’ll feel better.
{Psalm 139:23-24}
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (NLT)
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. (The Messge)
How often do you ask God to search your heart?
How often do you ask God to point things out in your thought life that offend him?
How often do you let God reveal things hidden in your junk drawer, only to straighten it out again?
How often do you go to God in repentance and humility asking Him to reveal sin you are unaware of?
How often do ask God to search you? Know you? Test you? Reveal you? Guide you? Forgive you?
Go now . . . the Good Shepherd is waiting.
You need to do it.
You’re not sure what you’ll find.
It’s easier to keep it closed and pretend like it’s all okay.
You’ll find things in there you never knew you had.
In the end, you’ll have lots to throw away and you’ll feel better.
{Psalm 139:23-24}
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (NLT)
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. (The Messge)
How often do you ask God to search your heart?
How often do you ask God to point things out in your thought life that offend him?
How often do you let God reveal things hidden in your junk drawer, only to straighten it out again?
How often do you go to God in repentance and humility asking Him to reveal sin you are unaware of?
How often do ask God to search you? Know you? Test you? Reveal you? Guide you? Forgive you?
Go now . . . the Good Shepherd is waiting.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Bring Good News to the Poor
{Isaiah 61:1-3}
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
I woke up at 4am this morning. I am not a morning person, this wasn't planned. I woke up with Aynesworth on my heart. Today is our Bag Sale. We've had this planned for a few weeks and received hundreds of donations. I'm praying every single item will be given away, that we'd arrive with much and return with nothing. I'm praying for 100 families to come through the door, for every single person we make eye contact with to know they are loved and valued by their Maker.
Last week, the community of Aynesworth heard some terrible news. A gang member out on parole, running from the cops, was shot and killed on our school campus by police. The community has been heavy ever since.
And as I prepared for my day in prayer this morning . . . the LORD reminded me of His mission on earth, found in Isaiah 61 and what Jesus read in the synagogue in Luke 4:18-19
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
Last week Aynesworth received bad news. The community has felt unsafe and heavy ever since. It was a terrible tragedy and yet amazing timing. Just when many are feeling poor in spirit, God would have 20-30 of us go and serve, go and give, go and offer something positive, something uplifting, something . . . good.
As I read these words, I realized that nothing on this earth is an accident, not even timing. God knew what would happen last week and what will happen today.
Would you pray with us to proclaim the good news?
Would you pray that the families of Aynesworth would receive the good news?
That they would know they are loved and valued by their Maker?
That they don't have to walk in fear because Jesus has come to set them free from oppression?
That His spirit would captivate the families we will serve?
Would you pray that HIS light would shine through the darkness?
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." (Romans 10:1)
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
I woke up at 4am this morning. I am not a morning person, this wasn't planned. I woke up with Aynesworth on my heart. Today is our Bag Sale. We've had this planned for a few weeks and received hundreds of donations. I'm praying every single item will be given away, that we'd arrive with much and return with nothing. I'm praying for 100 families to come through the door, for every single person we make eye contact with to know they are loved and valued by their Maker.
Last week, the community of Aynesworth heard some terrible news. A gang member out on parole, running from the cops, was shot and killed on our school campus by police. The community has been heavy ever since.
And as I prepared for my day in prayer this morning . . . the LORD reminded me of His mission on earth, found in Isaiah 61 and what Jesus read in the synagogue in Luke 4:18-19
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
Last week Aynesworth received bad news. The community has felt unsafe and heavy ever since. It was a terrible tragedy and yet amazing timing. Just when many are feeling poor in spirit, God would have 20-30 of us go and serve, go and give, go and offer something positive, something uplifting, something . . . good.
As I read these words, I realized that nothing on this earth is an accident, not even timing. God knew what would happen last week and what will happen today.
Would you pray with us to proclaim the good news?
Would you pray that the families of Aynesworth would receive the good news?
That they would know they are loved and valued by their Maker?
That they don't have to walk in fear because Jesus has come to set them free from oppression?
That His spirit would captivate the families we will serve?
Would you pray that HIS light would shine through the darkness?
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." (Romans 10:1)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Prayer Is . . .
{Meditation Monday: My Journey Through the Sermon on the Mount}
Prayer. Something I'm passionate about and something I struggle with.
When you mention the word "prayer" feelings of guilt usually arise, because we don't know how, we don't do it enough, we don't understand it, etc. It's an often neglected part of the Christian life, yet essential to spiritual growth, health, and intimacy with the Father.
I'm excited to be thinking on the following verses the rest of this week.
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
I think I could summarize my thoughts on prayer in just 3 words: JUST DO IT. A million things keep us from closing our doors, bending our knees, and talking to God.
So what are some things that keep you from praying?
What are ways that you incorporate prayer into your daily life?
Are there things you enjoy about prayer? Struggle with?
I'll take this week to examine my prayer life and then . . . pray!
Prayer. Something I'm passionate about and something I struggle with.
When you mention the word "prayer" feelings of guilt usually arise, because we don't know how, we don't do it enough, we don't understand it, etc. It's an often neglected part of the Christian life, yet essential to spiritual growth, health, and intimacy with the Father.
I'm excited to be thinking on the following verses the rest of this week.
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
I think I could summarize my thoughts on prayer in just 3 words: JUST DO IT. A million things keep us from closing our doors, bending our knees, and talking to God.
So what are some things that keep you from praying?
What are ways that you incorporate prayer into your daily life?
Are there things you enjoy about prayer? Struggle with?
I'll take this week to examine my prayer life and then . . . pray!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Prayer Is . . .
“Sometimes I consider myself there as a stone before a carver, whereof he is to make a statue; presenting myself thus before GOD, I desire Him to form His perfect image in my soul, and make me entirely like Himself.” –Brother Lawerence (Practicing the Presence of God)
I love this imagery . . . we are the stone and prayer is going to God and saying “chip away”. Form me, cut me, mold me . . . make me look like you.
Prayer is to be carved into the image of the Son.
Oh LORD would you carve me with your tools . . . your people, trials, challenges . . .
Oh LORD would you carve me with your Living Water . . . your word, your very presence . . .
To look less like me and more like Christ.
I love this imagery . . . we are the stone and prayer is going to God and saying “chip away”. Form me, cut me, mold me . . . make me look like you.
Prayer is to be carved into the image of the Son.
Oh LORD would you carve me with your tools . . . your people, trials, challenges . . .
Oh LORD would you carve me with your Living Water . . . your word, your very presence . . .
To look less like me and more like Christ.
Monday, May 14, 2012
My Prayer Request-Why Not This?
When people ask me "How can I be praying for you?" I'm usually caught off guard. And I begin seeking my selfish heart and start requesting things that I want, need, desire, etc.
But as I learn more and more about God's word, I see things different. A couple of years ago, I studied Paul's prayers in his letters. You know what I noticed? Most of his prayers were not selfish things, but things that would help others know or grow in Christ. He asked for their love and understanding to deepen, for people to be saved, for knowledge and wisdom, for contentment in suffering, etc.
So I thought . . . if I could ask one thing of the LORD, why not let it be this:
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:2-6)
Why not ask people to pray for these things?
Thankful heart.
Open doors.
Clarity and courage to proclaim Him.
Using my time wisely.
Gracious speech.
Wisdom.
Can you think of anything better to ask for?
But as I learn more and more about God's word, I see things different. A couple of years ago, I studied Paul's prayers in his letters. You know what I noticed? Most of his prayers were not selfish things, but things that would help others know or grow in Christ. He asked for their love and understanding to deepen, for people to be saved, for knowledge and wisdom, for contentment in suffering, etc.
So I thought . . . if I could ask one thing of the LORD, why not let it be this:
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:2-6)
Why not ask people to pray for these things?
Thankful heart.
Open doors.
Clarity and courage to proclaim Him.
Using my time wisely.
Gracious speech.
Wisdom.
Can you think of anything better to ask for?
Friday, January 6, 2012
52 Days
Last semester at Academy, on the final night, Rick talked about Ezra and Nehemiah. He brought to light how broken Ezra and Nehemiah were over the condition of Israel in regards to their relationship with the LORD. It led them into a time of confession, repentance, grief, mourning, fasting, prayer, and ultimately, action. Renewing their relationship for the LORD by opening His word, studying it, teaching it, and putting it into practice.
Rick shared how the wall was finished in just 52 days.
52 days. If God can use His people to finish the wall in just 52 days, what could He do in my life, in our church, in 52 days? What if I humbled myself, in mourning-prayer-fasting, for the sake of His kingdom for the next 52 days . . . what could He possible do?
So my question to all of you . . . would you be interested in joining me for a time of prayer over the next 52 days (about 8 weeks)? I'm talking confession, repentance, and "pushing on the gates" type of stuff? Starting out 2012 in a season of prayer . . . personally, for our church, and most of all for His kingdom?
Praying daily on our time, and then gathering once a week to pray with others for our church?
Let's push on the gates together . . .
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)
"And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you." (Nehemiah 1:5-6)
Rick shared how the wall was finished in just 52 days.
52 days. If God can use His people to finish the wall in just 52 days, what could He do in my life, in our church, in 52 days? What if I humbled myself, in mourning-prayer-fasting, for the sake of His kingdom for the next 52 days . . . what could He possible do?
So my question to all of you . . . would you be interested in joining me for a time of prayer over the next 52 days (about 8 weeks)? I'm talking confession, repentance, and "pushing on the gates" type of stuff? Starting out 2012 in a season of prayer . . . personally, for our church, and most of all for His kingdom?
Praying daily on our time, and then gathering once a week to pray with others for our church?
Let's push on the gates together . . .
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)
"And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you." (Nehemiah 1:5-6)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
3 Little Words
{The Biggest Lie in Church}
We all do it.
Say these 3 little words . . .
Write these on people’s facebook status . . .
Send them a note assuring them we will . . .
Praying for you.
What a lie.
Sometimes we say this with good intentions, other times we know we never will.
This morning a friend text me at 4:30am to ask for prayer. I wanted to text back praying for you. But, really? Was I really praying for you at 4:30am?? No.
So I got up. To pray. During my prayer time, the LORD led me to repent of this small, common, well-intentioned lie I tell people all of the time. I confessed my sin, my neglect of prayer, and my apathy of not going to the throne of grace on behalf of others. I wondered . . .
Does this little lie anger God? Grieve Him? Sadden Him?
How often do I actually pray for people when I tell them I’m “praying for you”?
Do we as a people offer prayer more than we actually pray?
Why? Why is the hardest place to be, my prayer place?
Why is it such a struggle to come, rest, listen, confess, praise, petition, and pray?
Christ died to reconcile us to have relationship with the Father.
He died to give me a chance to enter in. So why do I stay away?
Why do I neglect my meeting time with the most important One?
“My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matt 21:13).
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
“As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, "O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned . . .” (Nehemiah 1:4-6)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
We all do it.
Say these 3 little words . . .
Write these on people’s facebook status . . .
Send them a note assuring them we will . . .
Praying for you.
What a lie.
Sometimes we say this with good intentions, other times we know we never will.
This morning a friend text me at 4:30am to ask for prayer. I wanted to text back praying for you. But, really? Was I really praying for you at 4:30am?? No.
So I got up. To pray. During my prayer time, the LORD led me to repent of this small, common, well-intentioned lie I tell people all of the time. I confessed my sin, my neglect of prayer, and my apathy of not going to the throne of grace on behalf of others. I wondered . . .
Does this little lie anger God? Grieve Him? Sadden Him?
How often do I actually pray for people when I tell them I’m “praying for you”?
Do we as a people offer prayer more than we actually pray?
Why? Why is the hardest place to be, my prayer place?
Why is it such a struggle to come, rest, listen, confess, praise, petition, and pray?
Christ died to reconcile us to have relationship with the Father.
He died to give me a chance to enter in. So why do I stay away?
Why do I neglect my meeting time with the most important One?
“My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matt 21:13).
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
“As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, "O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned . . .” (Nehemiah 1:4-6)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Monday, September 26, 2011
For Someday
{From Trying to Waiting}
I’m studying Genesis for Academy and love reading about the women in the bible. As I’m reading through the stories of our matriarchs (Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel), I see a common pattern. They all have trouble bearing children.
As we learned our first week in Academy, a woman’s ability to bear children was a big deal back then. It was identity for the woman and also, for the man. As I spend time reflecting on the lives of these women of our faith, I am confused, comforted, and hopeful.
I’m confused because from the very beginning, God tells Adam & Eve to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28). Seems as though the multiplying part is really dependent upon God, not them. (Then again, God’s covenant is always dependent upon Him, not us. It will be only because HE is.)
I realize that all of them really had no control over bearing children. In one verse it even says “Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb.” (Genesis 30:22) Not that God forgets, but thinking more like now it’s her time. He heard her cry, He placed that desire in her heart, He ultimately blesses her womb.
We have been trying to get pregnant since the end of last year. We’re not frustrated yet, but just in a place of disappointment. I am so comforted in these stories because no matter how old, how desperate, how crazy it seems . . . God is in control. He opens and closes the womb. It’s His say, His time.
So as people ask us all kinds of questions like if we have kids, do we want kids, why don’t we have kids, can you have kids, etc. my answer has been “We’re trying.”
I think I’ll change my response from “we’re trying” to “we’re waiting.” Like Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel waited . . . I’ll wait. I will wait in faith, in confident expectation, assurance of His character, and hope in Him.
A friend of mine gave me a gift for our first child, a blanket she started knitting when she found out we were trying. She handed it to me with a small card with two very encouraging words written on it . . . "For Someday". So I cling to that. Perhaps not today, not now, but someday.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.” (1 Samuel 1:27)
I’m studying Genesis for Academy and love reading about the women in the bible. As I’m reading through the stories of our matriarchs (Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel), I see a common pattern. They all have trouble bearing children.
As we learned our first week in Academy, a woman’s ability to bear children was a big deal back then. It was identity for the woman and also, for the man. As I spend time reflecting on the lives of these women of our faith, I am confused, comforted, and hopeful.
I’m confused because from the very beginning, God tells Adam & Eve to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28). Seems as though the multiplying part is really dependent upon God, not them. (Then again, God’s covenant is always dependent upon Him, not us. It will be only because HE is.)
I realize that all of them really had no control over bearing children. In one verse it even says “Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb.” (Genesis 30:22) Not that God forgets, but thinking more like now it’s her time. He heard her cry, He placed that desire in her heart, He ultimately blesses her womb.
We have been trying to get pregnant since the end of last year. We’re not frustrated yet, but just in a place of disappointment. I am so comforted in these stories because no matter how old, how desperate, how crazy it seems . . . God is in control. He opens and closes the womb. It’s His say, His time.
So as people ask us all kinds of questions like if we have kids, do we want kids, why don’t we have kids, can you have kids, etc. my answer has been “We’re trying.”
I think I’ll change my response from “we’re trying” to “we’re waiting.” Like Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel waited . . . I’ll wait. I will wait in faith, in confident expectation, assurance of His character, and hope in Him.
A friend of mine gave me a gift for our first child, a blanket she started knitting when she found out we were trying. She handed it to me with a small card with two very encouraging words written on it . . . "For Someday". So I cling to that. Perhaps not today, not now, but someday.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.” (1 Samuel 1:27)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
What Would You Ask For?
Santino and I are reading through 1 Kings together. In Chapter 3, the LORD appears to Solomon in a dream and says "Ask what I shall give you." (v.5). God basically tells Solomon to ask for anything and the LORD will give it to him.
Before Solomon even asks for anything, he responds to the LORD with reverence, praise, thanksgiving, and humility. (*See 1 Kings 3:6-8)
After exalting the LORD and humbling himself, Solomon asks. And what does he ask for? An easy life? No suffering? Power? Celebrity? Health? Wealth? Prosperity?
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" (v.9)
He asks for wisdom and discernment.
What would you ask for?
Would you ask for wisdom and discernment like Solomon? Or ask like Paul in all of his chapter 1 prayers for knowledge, wisdom, love, and faith?
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7 to ask. Ask and it will be given to you. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” (John 16:23)
The LORD will answer, if we ask according to His will.
The LORD answers Solomon. And guess what? The LORD also blesses him with all that he didn’t ask for too.
“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." (v.10-14)
The LORD has given us permission to ask freely. What would you ask for?
Go ahead and ask.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think . . . to him be the glory . . .” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Before Solomon even asks for anything, he responds to the LORD with reverence, praise, thanksgiving, and humility. (*See 1 Kings 3:6-8)
After exalting the LORD and humbling himself, Solomon asks. And what does he ask for? An easy life? No suffering? Power? Celebrity? Health? Wealth? Prosperity?
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" (v.9)
He asks for wisdom and discernment.
What would you ask for?
Would you ask for wisdom and discernment like Solomon? Or ask like Paul in all of his chapter 1 prayers for knowledge, wisdom, love, and faith?
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7 to ask. Ask and it will be given to you. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” (John 16:23)
The LORD will answer, if we ask according to His will.
The LORD answers Solomon. And guess what? The LORD also blesses him with all that he didn’t ask for too.
“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." (v.10-14)
The LORD has given us permission to ask freely. What would you ask for?
Go ahead and ask.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think . . . to him be the glory . . .” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Prayer
I just read ahead in my devotional “Comforts from the Cross” by Elyse Fitzpatrick because tomorrow’s topic was on prayer. Prayer. . . what a struggle! While I enjoy it, and long for moments of stillness and silence before the Lord, some days it is such a struggle. She says there are 2 reasons we don’t pray, both rooted in not fully believing the gospel:
1) We don’t really think we need to (self reliance)
2) We don’t feel comfortable in the presence of God (shame and guilt).
I think there is a 3rd reason too . . . we don’t know how! I really think the struggle in prayer is just getting there. We don’t need to read a book on prayer, listen to a sermon on prayer, or talk about prayer, we just need to pray!
When I first started to pray I think I read 10 books on prayer. There are so many thoughts on prayer, “how to pray. . . start like this . . . ask in this way”, etc. I started to feel like a robot in my prayer time and like I was doing it “wrong”. It was too formulaic for me. So I finally put down all the books on prayer. I went to God and said “I love to pray, but I have no idea what I’m doing! Is it okay if I just talk to you?” I started to imagine myself at coffee with Jesus or resting in the arms of my Heavenly Father . . . and it was like a weight lifted off of me!
I’m reminded of Romans 8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” We don’t know how to pray, the Word of God says so himself!
Even as I’m writing this, so much scripture is coming to mind about prayer. Abraham asking God to save Lot; Moses interceding for the people-God relents; Hannah praying for a baby-He answers; Daniel praying, and the angel reminds him God has heard, but there is a battle going on in the heavenlies delaying the answer; Psalms-David sometimes crying out, sometimes praising, sometimes confessing anger and fear; Jeremiah praying for mercy on the people, God says stop praying, it’s time for judgment; Paul teaches us in Colossians to pray watchfully and thankfully; Jesus teaches us to pray humbly, yet also telling the story of the persistent widow to continue asking, etc.
So, I don’t have a formula. I believe Jesus taught his disciples to pray a certain way-Praising the Father, praying for His will and provision, and to be humble before the Lord with our sin. But, I don’t think it was to show them how to get what they want from the Father, as much as it is getting the Father-fellowship and communion with Him. His will for us is not to give us the idols we crave (health, wealth, relationship, jobs, etc.). His will is for us to be sanctified to look more like His Son. His will is that we know Him and make Him known!
Which is why we don’t know how to pray. We don’t know how to ask for things like that! We wouldn’t, we are in too much pursuit of self, to pursue Him and His kingdom.
So can I encourage you to be honest about prayer with our Heavenly Father? “I don’t know what I’m doing, I don’t know what to ask for”, and bring yourself to the place where his disciples were, where I am regularly and say . . . “Lord, teach me to pray.” I sort of think that’s what He wants from us anyway-to be like Mary, to sit and listen, to have a teachable and humble heart, and submit to His way.
Let us be intentional about carving out time for the Lord, be honest with Him when we go to the Throne of Grace that we don’t know how to pray and then just start talking. No need to be intimidated, God already knows your heart. No need to feel like you don’t know how, none of us do (Romans 8:26). All we need is to be intentional and honest, to go to the throne of grace and . . . pray.
Practical Tips
(Just some things that have helped me when I’m stuck in a rut in my prayer life.)
1. Start with just 2 minutes a day. Don’t overwhelm yourself thinking you have to pray for 3 hours, the hardest discipline is doing it daily. Pick a consistent time each day for 2 minutes.
2. Read a Psalm or listening to worship music before you begin. Get the attitude of your heart right before going into his presence.
3. Be honest-don’t add fluff, don’t recite quotes you’ve heard people say. Talk to him the way you would talk to a friend on the phone. (Not that you don’t revere Him, He is the Lord, but be real and pure before Him too.)
4. Keep a notepad next to you if anything pops up while you pray (groceries, etc.). The enemy will try to distract you, write it down, and persevere!
Resources
Prayer: A Holy Occupation by Oswald Chambers
Alone with God by John MacArthur
Genesis 18-19 , Exodus 32-33, Daniel 9, Nehemiah 1, Matthew 6-7, Luke 1, 11, 18, John 17, Colossians 4, Ephesians 3, Romans 8
Leave a comment with some things that have helped your prayer life too!
1) We don’t really think we need to (self reliance)
2) We don’t feel comfortable in the presence of God (shame and guilt).
I think there is a 3rd reason too . . . we don’t know how! I really think the struggle in prayer is just getting there. We don’t need to read a book on prayer, listen to a sermon on prayer, or talk about prayer, we just need to pray!
When I first started to pray I think I read 10 books on prayer. There are so many thoughts on prayer, “how to pray. . . start like this . . . ask in this way”, etc. I started to feel like a robot in my prayer time and like I was doing it “wrong”. It was too formulaic for me. So I finally put down all the books on prayer. I went to God and said “I love to pray, but I have no idea what I’m doing! Is it okay if I just talk to you?” I started to imagine myself at coffee with Jesus or resting in the arms of my Heavenly Father . . . and it was like a weight lifted off of me!
I’m reminded of Romans 8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” We don’t know how to pray, the Word of God says so himself!
Even as I’m writing this, so much scripture is coming to mind about prayer. Abraham asking God to save Lot; Moses interceding for the people-God relents; Hannah praying for a baby-He answers; Daniel praying, and the angel reminds him God has heard, but there is a battle going on in the heavenlies delaying the answer; Psalms-David sometimes crying out, sometimes praising, sometimes confessing anger and fear; Jeremiah praying for mercy on the people, God says stop praying, it’s time for judgment; Paul teaches us in Colossians to pray watchfully and thankfully; Jesus teaches us to pray humbly, yet also telling the story of the persistent widow to continue asking, etc.
So, I don’t have a formula. I believe Jesus taught his disciples to pray a certain way-Praising the Father, praying for His will and provision, and to be humble before the Lord with our sin. But, I don’t think it was to show them how to get what they want from the Father, as much as it is getting the Father-fellowship and communion with Him. His will for us is not to give us the idols we crave (health, wealth, relationship, jobs, etc.). His will is for us to be sanctified to look more like His Son. His will is that we know Him and make Him known!
Which is why we don’t know how to pray. We don’t know how to ask for things like that! We wouldn’t, we are in too much pursuit of self, to pursue Him and His kingdom.
So can I encourage you to be honest about prayer with our Heavenly Father? “I don’t know what I’m doing, I don’t know what to ask for”, and bring yourself to the place where his disciples were, where I am regularly and say . . . “Lord, teach me to pray.” I sort of think that’s what He wants from us anyway-to be like Mary, to sit and listen, to have a teachable and humble heart, and submit to His way.
Let us be intentional about carving out time for the Lord, be honest with Him when we go to the Throne of Grace that we don’t know how to pray and then just start talking. No need to be intimidated, God already knows your heart. No need to feel like you don’t know how, none of us do (Romans 8:26). All we need is to be intentional and honest, to go to the throne of grace and . . . pray.
Practical Tips
(Just some things that have helped me when I’m stuck in a rut in my prayer life.)
1. Start with just 2 minutes a day. Don’t overwhelm yourself thinking you have to pray for 3 hours, the hardest discipline is doing it daily. Pick a consistent time each day for 2 minutes.
2. Read a Psalm or listening to worship music before you begin. Get the attitude of your heart right before going into his presence.
3. Be honest-don’t add fluff, don’t recite quotes you’ve heard people say. Talk to him the way you would talk to a friend on the phone. (Not that you don’t revere Him, He is the Lord, but be real and pure before Him too.)
4. Keep a notepad next to you if anything pops up while you pray (groceries, etc.). The enemy will try to distract you, write it down, and persevere!
Resources
Prayer: A Holy Occupation by Oswald Chambers
Alone with God by John MacArthur
Genesis 18-19 , Exodus 32-33, Daniel 9, Nehemiah 1, Matthew 6-7, Luke 1, 11, 18, John 17, Colossians 4, Ephesians 3, Romans 8
Leave a comment with some things that have helped your prayer life too!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
He Hears
A few weeks ago I saw the grandmother of one of my former students. She shared that she was going back to court soon to try and get custody of her 3 grandkids (10 yrs, 5yrs, and 8 mths). The father of my former student was shot and killed years ago, and the mother has spent the last few years in and out of jail, on drugs, etc. and she is now missing.
I was so inspired for her love for her grandkids. She does not have much, and is even disabled, and I know providing and caring for them is difficult. I talked with some of my friends from life group and asked if they would want to pitch in to give her some gifts for her grandkids.
Well time went by and I didn’t go shopping. So I decided to just get a gift card to Target that way she could buy whatever she thought they’d need or want. I had plans to deliver it early in the week, but didn’t send the gift card home until Thursday afternoon.
Yesterday, she came to my classroom weeping! She said she spent all of Thursday morning crying because she had no money to buy Christmas gifts. She told her kids they would have to wait for presents until January. She said all morning she was crying and praying and then my former student came home with the gift card. She said she couldn’t believe it! She never thought God would hear and provide the way He did! She said she was overwhelmed and so excited, she was able to go out and buy her kids gifts! We were both crying as she told me, it was amazing.
I thought about how perfect God’s timing is. I had not had time to go shopping, which is why she didn’t get the card until Thursday. If I had given it sooner, she wouldn’t have been able to praise God for answering her prayer! It was just amazing to praise the LORD together and confess together that God hears prayers. He proves again, that He is able to do immeasurably more than we might ask or think . . . He hears, He provides, He loves.
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause (Isaiah 1:17). Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22). Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him (Psalm 28:6-7).
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure(Philippians 2:13). Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights (James 1:17). Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to HIM be glory (Ephesians 3:20-21).
I was so inspired for her love for her grandkids. She does not have much, and is even disabled, and I know providing and caring for them is difficult. I talked with some of my friends from life group and asked if they would want to pitch in to give her some gifts for her grandkids.
Well time went by and I didn’t go shopping. So I decided to just get a gift card to Target that way she could buy whatever she thought they’d need or want. I had plans to deliver it early in the week, but didn’t send the gift card home until Thursday afternoon.
Yesterday, she came to my classroom weeping! She said she spent all of Thursday morning crying because she had no money to buy Christmas gifts. She told her kids they would have to wait for presents until January. She said all morning she was crying and praying and then my former student came home with the gift card. She said she couldn’t believe it! She never thought God would hear and provide the way He did! She said she was overwhelmed and so excited, she was able to go out and buy her kids gifts! We were both crying as she told me, it was amazing.
I thought about how perfect God’s timing is. I had not had time to go shopping, which is why she didn’t get the card until Thursday. If I had given it sooner, she wouldn’t have been able to praise God for answering her prayer! It was just amazing to praise the LORD together and confess together that God hears prayers. He proves again, that He is able to do immeasurably more than we might ask or think . . . He hears, He provides, He loves.
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause (Isaiah 1:17). Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22). Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him (Psalm 28:6-7).
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure(Philippians 2:13). Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights (James 1:17). Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to HIM be glory (Ephesians 3:20-21).
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