this prayer

Time of prayer is proof to who I am

tme of prayer proof to who I am

Praying for healing would be something I would say I am most uncomfortable with. Mostly because people do not get healed when I pray – or so I think. A few have and those I know, my prayer was short, intense and focused on asking God to get involved now.

So I was surprised to find a similar prayer in the life of Moses.

So Moses cried out to the Lord, “O God, heal her!” – Numbers 12:13 GNT

In my research I found out some things about this prayer. The original text goes like this – “O God now, heal her now.” I would have thrown in an exclamation mark on this one. The repetition of the word “now” would imply the earnestness and importunity and this person (Miriam) would be healed immediately. Moses addresses God with the word “El.” It is a strong word for God and expresses Moses’ faith in the power of God. It would suggest that no one else could do what he was asking Him to do. I believe, when I look at this from afar, that this type of prayer is proof of Moses being a meek, humble and forgiving person, inviting God to take the lead role is setting things right.

So the prayer of Psalm 49 is one I take in slowly and express slowly so that I may meditate while praying it.

The soberness of my sin or the complete holiness of God cannot be barriers to me in my prayer life. That bridge has separated by Jesus.

We have, then, my friends, complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus. He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain—that is, through his own body. We have a great priest in charge of the house of God. So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. – Hebrews 10:19-22 GNT

So I come into prayer with a confidence.
“Prayer is a means to energy…Spiritual alertness, vigor, and confidence are the regular spin-offs from earnest prayer on any subject. The Puritans spoke of prayer as oiling the wheels of the soul” – J.I. Packer, Knowing Christianity, 128

Find time to pray

find time to pray

It might just be possible that we have become addicted to hyperstimulation. The constant barrage of news and knowledge can dominate ones mind. With the environment of media presence within our arms reach, how difficult is it to find time be be quiet, to think or even to pray.

“Stop fighting,” he says, “and know that I am God,
    supreme among the nations,
    supreme over the world.” – Psalm 46:10 GNT

I am encouraged to stop fighting and find that quiet place where I can know God – an essential part of my day – to read my Bible, pray and consider not only God’s goodness but also His greatness.

It is like this prayer —

Close your heart to every love but mine;
    hold no one in your arms but me. – Solomon 8:6 GNT

It is a prayer that suggests that I might see Christ’s love visibly, It puts me in a place where I discover, through my experience, there is no longer a question nor a matter of doubt that God’s hand and His heart are engaged for my eternal salvation.

God not only hears our prayers, but when I wrestle with Him and strive in prayer, He loves it.

Let me hear your voice from the garden, my love;
    my companions are waiting to hear you speak. – Song of Solomon 8:13 GNT

In the first place, helplessness. This is unquestionably the first and the surest indication of a praying heart. As far as I can see, prayer has been ordained only for the helpless. It is the last resort of the helpless. Indeed, the very last way out. We try everything before we finally resort to prayer.

This is not only true of us before our conversion. Prayer is our last resort also throughout our whole Christian life. I know very well that we offer many and beautiful prayers, both privately and publicly, without helplessness as the impelling power. But I am not at all positive that this is prayer. Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only those who are helpless can truly pray. – Ole Hallesby