sacrifices

Lifting up hands regularly

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There are many examples where individuals have lifted up their hands in prayer, especially as a form of blessing.

When Aaron had finished all the sacrifices, he raised his hands over the people and blessed them, and then stepped down. – Leviticus 9:22 GNT

It is also a sign of surrender if I raise them up high. It comes with a prayer that is a humble petition of a reasonable prayer for one going through oppression.

Why are you so far away, O Lord?
Why do you hide yourself when we are in trouble?
The wicked are proud and persecute the poor. Psalm 10:2 GNT

Paul delivered a prayer that I would like to look at.

Day and night we ask him with all our heart to let us see you personally and supply what is needed in your faith.

May our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus prepare the way for us to come to you! May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more and become as great as our love for you. In this way he will strengthen you, and you will be perfect and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all who belong to him. – 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13 GNT

He asks God to be the instigator – he asks God to do something – he recognizes God as sovereign – how often do I pray for people to move instead of praying for God to move?

Paul is praying for the church – how often am I praying for those in the church? Sometimes I find myself mentioning myself more than God and for my desires instead of God’s desires.

“Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that he will provide the help we need.⁠” – Piper

When I pray, I admit that I am dependent on God and need Him in my life.

Praying “with all our heart” shows how prayer is not flippant, but intentional and genuine. May I pray consistently and fervently for the people I love.

Paul prays for the opportunity to come alongside and disciple. He is concerned with their growth, for them to know what the implications of the gospel has in their lives. I want to find ways to help others grow.

His key prayer point when it comes to outcomes – make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more and become as great as our love for you.  

When it comes right down to its root – love is not something I am in control of – God is. Prayer is the key to changing my attitude towards others.  Love is a defining trait of those who follow Jesus.

The outcome is what I believe we all want to experience – you will be perfect and holy. It is not about circumstances changing or sufferings to cease and it is definitely not about doing, it is all about my heart (motives, desires, thoughts).

Holiness is a mark – our salvation is all of grace – but holiness is important when we stand before the God. Just thinking about this keeps me praying with eternity in my mind. I noticed that there was not much consideration given to their physical well-being as the spiritual one – again attention to eternal consequences and holiness.

There is a connection here between being holy and loving others – being interested in the lives of others – seeking the good of others – and that means I am challenged to turn from myself to serving. I understand that it may cost me to do this – it may be a sacrifice of my self-comfort.

“By the great sweetness of this name he frees us from all distrust, since no greater feeling of love can be found elsewhere than in the Father.” – Calvin

 

 

With the Word, praying about everything

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God spoke to Moses out of the Tabernacle.

The Lord called to Moses from the Tent of the Lord‘s presence and gave him the following rules for the Israelites to observe when they offer their sacrifices. – Leviticus 1:1-2 GNT

As soon as the shechinah presence took over the new habitation, God talked with Moses from the mercy-seat. It became the place where communion between God and man took place, a place where sacrifices took place and where He revealed His will to them. By Word and by prayer I have fellowship with God.

The first post-Resurrection prayers recorded were quite simple. Mary Magdalene’s was simply one-word.

Jesus said to her, “Mary!”

She turned toward him and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (This means “Teacher.”) – John 20:16 GNT

The second prayer came right after that one and only five words uttered from the lips of Thomas.

 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” – John 20:28 GNT

What a great way to pray – beginning with the name of Jesus and then a declaration of who He is to me.

It reminds me to pray, in love, for everyone.

 If you make fun of poor people, you insult the God who made them. You will be punished if you take pleasure in someone’s misfortune. – Proverbs 17:5 GNT

I might say that it is a healthy way to remember to pray for my enemies, for those who are suffering. In fact, it is when I do this I show myself as a child of God having the character of God – for He is kind.

Paul suggests that I pray about everything.

 Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 GNT

Paul does not say that my problems will go away, but he does say that I will have God’s peace.

“For he so tempers the outcome of events according to his incomprehensible plan that the prayers of the saints, which are a mixture of faith and error, are not nullified. But this ought no more to be held as a valid example for imitation than as excusing the saints themselves;” – Calvin