“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me in my distress” – (Psalm 120:1).
Prayer can be a mystery. In one place Jesus tells his disciples that even before they open their mouth the Lord already knows what they need: “Do not be like them for your father already knows what you already need before you ask of him” (Mathew 6:8). This might be interpreted as meaning our prayers do not count as much since our requests are already known by God anyway.
Yet at the same time we are challenged to make our requests known to God, ”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Further, the Lord has challenged us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Mathew 7:7).
In other words, not to pray, on the account that after all the Lord knows what one needs, would be to miss a certain key requirement.
Prayer is based on having a personal relationship with God. If a couple is in a relationship and there are not talking but simply assuming that after all the other person knows what I need, either could be mistaken. This why the Apostle James, urged believers never to discount prayer in their lives. “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven” (James 5:13-16).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I thank you for this direct access I have to you through your son Jesus Christ, and today I pray through him that you meet my needs, which I now make known to you!
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21/05/2024 - 22/05/2024 All day“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare” (Proverbs 24-26)
Anyone who has taken a long walk through dark forested woods knows the fear and trepidation of suddenly coming face to face with some dreadful creature stirring from nowhere. Hence, one walks gingerly, with his sixth senses fully alert.
In life, there are also those situations where we too can find ourselves fearful of the worst, a terror suddenly unleashed upon us by some nemesis, just as we had lowered our guard. Yes, some evil was waiting for the right time to knock us down.
In our verse today we see here some of the blessings of placing our confidence in the Lord. People tend to lose sleep when there is something there are most anxious of, especially when there are uncertain of the outcome. Also, there are certain job situations where in a rat chase one has no idea of the next move of his competition, and is ever fearful of a wicked surprise. When we walk with the Lord, we are at peace because it is not much of the circumstances around us that determine our fate. But it is His protection.
Our lives are much like how pilots enjoy a panoramic view of all that is below. For the traveler who has not that vantage view there can be that anxiety especially once caught in the thick of the jungle. But then by looking up to God who knows and sees everything hovering over us, why worry! This is why Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that your peace may abound upon me in whatever situation I face as I know you are in supreme control.
