June 30, 2021 – Reflections on “Prayer – Stepping Stones!
Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me ‘til I want no more,
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.
(Dixon)
One of my favorite joys is to learn more of the Word of God. Then I read: The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. Psalm 12:6.
How sweet are your words to my taste sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way. Psalm 119:103-104.
What are the Stepping Stones of Prayer? Where do they lead? Prayer is more than a litany of desires and needs. They lead us in Faith, to His Grace and Glory, transforming our lives.
This leads to Meditation of His Words and Worshiping Him, who is our God. It is living each moment in the awareness of His presence and aligning our thoughts and actions to be pleasing to our Lord and God.
My first prayer, For all we eat, for all we wear, For all we have everywhere, We thank you, Father, Amen, opened the door to the world of prayer as a child
Eighty-four years ago, I gave my heart to Jesus. I have dealt with pride, being self-absorbed, and other sins. God did not give up. I know my parents had a great deal to do with continuing my journey.
What is the purpose of prayer? I learned that when we feel the need to pray for someone or some happening, it leads us to meditating on the goodness of God and His free gift of Grace.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Rejoice, don’t stop praying, and give Him Thanks in all circumstances. We do not know what each day will bring. This morning, after over a week of clouds and rain, I could not see the moon or the stars in the sky.
A clap of thunder woke me during the night. More rain. When I woke up, I see the sky is clear, and I saw the moon. I stood at the kitchen window and praised God for His goodness and encouragement.
Unexplained pain in different places, causes me to ask God, What are you teaching me? Then I remember these verses – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4.
I remember Noah and his forty days and nights of rain. And his faith in God kept him going, in building of the ark and surviving the time aboard the ark. He didn’t wonder if the ark would pass muster. He simply followed God’s commands/instructions and believed.
When troubles and things are difficult, another verse gives me peace. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. That is when I truly watch, for I know God has plans for me, and is teaching me.
As the Children of Israel reached the Red Sea, and the Egyptian soldiers cornered them. Moses comforted the people with these words, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14.
Where there seems to be no Way, God will lead us. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19.
How do you pray? Several years ago, I was asked to pray for a mission to plant a new church. The leaders sent me a Week of Prayer, from Becoming a Prayer Warrior by Elizabeth Alves. I find it gives me substance in personal prayer. I let my needs be known to God, and others’ prayer requests, and then pray for spiritual strength from our Lord always choosing to live in such a way as to be pleasing to my Lord and Savior.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6.
Sunday: Pray for Spiritual Revelation, for the Holy Spirit to give me personal direction, instruction, and vision.
Monday: Pray for anointing with power from the Holy Spirit for excellence in all I do.
Tuesday: Pray for lives marked by holiness, and a desire to be holy in all I do, and walk in righteousness.
Wednesday: Pray for favor with people I meet and have a teachable spirit and an open heart.
Thursday: Pray for unity and esteem one another more highly than myself.
Friday: Pray for connecting with the lost and be prepared to share the Gospel.
Saturday: Pray for provision for ongoing clarity of vision and mission.
In an earlier writing, What is Prayer? I wrote this: Prayer is more than a list of concerns; it is the beginning of humility and trust in the Lord God, the Creator of our Universe. Prayer recognizes the Awe of our Lord, our God, as Our Father in Heaven.
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord. Zephaniah 2:3.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law, he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2.
What is our greatest desire in this life? Mine comes from Galatians 5:22-23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Love is the foundation of each of the Fruit of the Spirit. Without Love for each of us, Jesus wouldn’t have come to be the sacrifice for our sin. Can God use a sinner? Yes.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16-17.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39.