Pursuing God:
In The Message paraphrased version of Matthew 6, we read:-
“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.”
Friends, prayer is an extraordinary request from God to share with Him what is on our hearts.
It’s a powerful communication!
Indeed, one of my favourite Bible verses is found in the thirty-third chapter of Jeremiah – where Eugene Peterson beautifully paraphrases it like this:-
“Call to Me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvellous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.”
Wow!
Sure-enough, there are times when we are led to find a quiet, secluded place and pray – because we are concerned about the ones we love, our family, the church, our country, the government and about other things in our everyday lives.
And admittedly, even when we can’t find the right words to say – God helps us through His Spirit in those particular points in time.
Still, this extraordinarily warm and friendly conversation, underpinned by the Spirit of God within us, should never be devalued by a theatrical production or the feeling of pride in ourselves!
Prayer is not carried out to establish the validity of our righteousness or religiousness, but to strengthen our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Yes, that’s right. Prayer is about building a relationship and reliance upon God as Father – not about gaining recognition as a star!
Prayer is about pursuing God, discovering His purpose for our lives, and soaking in the rhythms of His grace – not about achieving fame!
If the beginning and end of every day is secured with prayer, it is less likely to fall apart!
Therefore, in the course of events, let’s firstly be concerned about His kingdom and what has His approval – then He’ll bless us with the things in this life that we need.
In other words, “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”
As you get down on your knees before God; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
Yes, as the focus shifts from us to God, we will begin to sense His grace.
Now, that’s something to think about.
Have a great week.
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
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