words

Not taking lightly God’s creative power

God's creative power

Of the Ten Commandments the one that strikes me most when it comes to prayer is this one.
“Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the Lord your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name.” – Exodus 20:7 GNT
Whether it comes in the form of an oath, common swearing or appealed to as a witness to the truth – I cannot use His name for evil purposes. I think that I need to pay special attention to not taking His name lightly or irreverently – neither His name nor His attributes.
Would it not be safe to say that every prayer that is not accompanied with deep reverence and a genuine spirit of humility is not acceptable either. I am afraid that there may be many examples where I have prayed inconsiderate, bold and presumptuous prayers – whether privately or publicly. Even those who are separated from God and have found their worship in earthly gods treat their gods names with reverence.
I love how Jesus addresses God —
Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father! They don’t know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34a GNT

In my last hour I am sure I would be crying out to God to help me if I could even utter any sounds at all. Jesus is unselfish and He is concerned for those who are crucifying Him. Jesus loved right to the end of His earthly reign.

It is the choice of words that grabs my attention most – “Father.” I hear trust, confidence and endearment. He has a gentle love for God Himself. He speaks in love to the only One who can deliver Him.

I believe it is because He knows that God is all-powerful – He can help me with anything.

Then out of the storm the Lord spoke to Job.

The Lord

Who are you to question my wisdom
    with your ignorant, empty words?
Now stand up straight
    and answer the questions I ask you.
Were you there when I made the world?
    If you know so much, tell me about it.
Who decided how large it would be?
    Who stretched the measuring line over it?
    Do you know all the answers?
What holds up the pillars that support the earth?
    Who laid the cornerstone of the world?
In the dawn of that day the stars sang together,
    and the heavenly beings[a] shouted for joy.

 Who closed the gates to hold back the sea[b]
    when it burst from the womb of the earth?
It was I who covered the sea with clouds
    and wrapped it in darkness.
I marked a boundary for the sea
    and kept it behind bolted gates.
I told it, “So far and no farther!
    Here your powerful waves must stop.” – Job 38:1-11 GNT

God’s creative power is beyond my comprehension.

“Conversation with God leads to an encounter with God. Prayer is not only the way we learn what Jesus has done for us but also is the way we ‘daily receive God’s benefits.’ Prayer turns theology into experience. Through it we sense his presence and receive his joy, his love, his peace and confidence, and thereby we are changed in attitude, behavior, and character.” – Timothy Keller

 

 

 

 

I’ll pray

i'll pray

So my Esther and Paul vision just became a little more real when I am challenged to love my neighbour.

‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’  – Mark 12:31 GNT

I will love my neighbour by praying for them. I will pray for their circumstances, salvation and walk with God.

It would seem that I may have looked to others for advice, or for a book to read in what works when reaching out to neighbours. It would be similar to following the advice one of Job’s friend gave him.

Look for a moment at ancient wisdom;
    consider the truths our ancestors learned.
Our life is short, we know nothing at all;
    we pass like shadows across the earth.
But let the ancient wise people teach you;
    listen to what they had to say – Job 8:8-10 GNT

You will notice, as I just have, prayer is not included in that advice. Here is a great quote I found from Chambers that is spot on.

“The biggest benediction one man can find in another is not in his words, but that he implies: ‘I do not know the answer to your problem, all I can say is that God alone must know; let us go to Him’… The biggest thing you can do for those who are suffering is not to talk platitudes, not to ask questions, but to get into contact with God, and the ‘greater works’ will be done by prayer.”

When I am praying for others I know it has to come from my own sincere walk with God. I pray this is what it looks like.

 Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. – Romans 12:12 GNT

It keeps me steady as she goes and circumstances do not determine my mood and the reality of life is just that – limitations. This I know – the last part makes the other two true. My faithful life of prayer enables me to have hope and supplies me with patience. Joy and troubles actually can be in the same sentence. What a great gift to have from God – since it is such a great gift – I’ll pray.

Prayer is an earnest and familiar talking with God, to whom we declare all our miseries, whose support and help we implore and desire in our adversities, and whom we laud and praise for our benefits received. So that prayer contains the exposition of our sorrows, the desire of God’s defence, and the praising of His magnificent name, as the Psalms of David clearly do teach. – John Knox

 

Prayer is an intimate conversation of the pious with God, yet reverence and moderation must be kept, lest we give loose rein to miscellaneous requests, and lest we crave more than God allows; further,, that we should lift up our minds to a pure and chaste veneration of him, lest God’s majesty become worthless for us. – John Calvin