pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: prayer


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The Fruit of a Long Walk

‭Psalm 69:13 – “God, in your great and faithful love, answer me with your certain salvation!”

We begin today with Psalm 69, a prayer for the persecuted. The psalmist has been hard-pressed for a long time. His or her enemies are “countless.” The psalmist’s passion for God has created this conflict with these enemies. This same faith leads to this prayer: “God, in your great and faithful love, answer me with your certain salvation!” In our times of need of rescue, this is a great prayer to pray. The psalmist also prays for the enemies downfall. This was not uncommon then, and if we’re honest, isn’t uncommon now. In the Old Testament, though, God was often violent against Israel’s enemies. To pray for that was very much in line with their understanding and experience with God.

Psalm 70 is also a prayer for deliverance – for immediate deliverance! Hurry, hurry, hurry God! Shame and humiliate my oppressors. Hurry God – I’m poor and needy. Help, deliver me. Psalm 71 continues the cry for deliverance. The perspective has shifted. The psalmist is now old. Time has brought a more steady trust in God. Depending on God “from birth” leads to hope and to the psalmist proclaiming God’s righteous acts. Life has brought the psalmist “many troubles and calamities,” yes, but because of their long relationship with God, the author can confidently state that God “will revive me once more.” This too is the fruit of our long walk with God.

Psalm 72 is a fitting close to the Psalms of David. It even ends with “The prayers of David, Jesse’s son, are ended.” This Psalm seeks God’s blessings on the king and on the poor and needy. This Psalm is a beautiful expression of the fact that God’s love, God’s care, God’s protection, God’s provision, God’s everything, reaches from the highest to the very lowest. May our love, care, protection, provision… do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, great is your love and faithfulness! Your love knows no limits and your faithfulness endures forever. You care for all of creation and you call us to do the same. As we receive your love, care, protection, provision… may we generously and abundantly offer these to one another – all one anothers. Doing so, we will build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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True and Perfect

Readings: Psalms 17-20

‭Psalm 18:30 – “God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

There is a familiarity of themes and of some verses/phrases in today’s readings. Psalm 17 and 18 touch on the theme of obedience/blessing and disobedience/consequences. In Psalm 17, for David, a right heart and a sinless mouth means that God should “tilt your ears towards me now.” He seeks refuge in God from those who speak arrogantly, who want to “put me in the dirt.”

Psalm 18 begins with some wonderful descriptors of God: strength, solid rock, fortress, rescuer, refuge, shield, salvation, place of safety. These are words that we too can claim. David cries out for help and God responds in power and might – thunder and lightning, hail and coals. God’s power is both majestic and frightening. Verses 20-24 remind me of Job. God rewards because David is righteous. God restores because David’s hands are clean. Verse 30 is a great summary verse: “God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Psalm 19 continues the praise of God that ends Psalm 18. The heavens declare God’s glory. The law is perfect, faithful, right, pure, correct, and true. It brings wisdom and gladness and light. One is given “great reward” by keeping the law. In verses 12 and 13 David seeks forgiveness for accidental wrongs. Psalm 19 closes with familiar words: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart…”

In our last Psalm for today the focus shifts to the other. The prayer is for God to answer “you” when in trouble and for God to fulfill the desires of “your” heart. This is a prayer that we can pray over others. Who might you pray verses 1-5 over today?

Prayer: Lord God, your way is true and perfect. Your will guides us to light, love, hope, peace. We are faulty and imperfect. On our own, O God, we’d be helplessly lost. Surely those cords of death would entangle us. But we are not alone. You are right there beside us. You are our strength and our shield, our rock and our defender, our God. Thank you. Amen.


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The Ideal King

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 5:2-14, 2nd Chronicles 6, 2nd Chronicles 7, 2nd Chronicles 8, 2nd Chronicles 9

2nd Chronicles 5:13c – “Yes, God is good! Yes, God’s faithful love lasts forever!”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

Our readings today begin with the dedication of the temple. All Israel gathers as the chest, tabernacle, and holy items are brought up to the temple. As the chest is placed in the holy place, this praise is lifted to God: “Yes, God is good! Yes, God’s faithful love lasts forever!” These words of David, originally spoken when the chest first came into Jerusalem, will be repeated again and again.

Solomon offers a long and beautiful prayer. In many ways he asks God to be with them and to hear and answer their prayers. Prophetically he even included an acknowledgement of sin that will lead to exile. Solomon prays that even then and there, God will hear the prayers of their changed hearts. Fire falls from heaven as God’s initial response to Solomon’s prayer. A great amount of sacrifices and a huge celebration follow. These two things are connected – a holy BBQ!

God visits Solomon again, reiterating God’s covenant loyalty and a deep willingness to listen to Israel’s prayers – if they are obedient, humble, seeking God, and turning from their evil ways. It is as if this last part were a given. Solomon’s reign and legacy will last forever if he and his descendants also walk in these ways.

The last two chapters testify to Solomon’s wealth, wisdom, and fame. He builds and builds. He receives the Queen of Sheba and other foreign powers, adding to both his fame and wealth. He is far and away the greatest king ever. Here ends the chronicler’s report on Solomon as he dies after ruling Israel for 40 years. Solomon has been portrayed as the ideal Davidic king. The chronicler returns to reality as the story continues with Rehoboam.

Prayer: Lord God, as we read and celebrate this part of Solomon’s reign, may we also remember his shadow side as well. Yes, the mountains are magnificent. But the valleys are there too. The valleys are the proving grounds, the refineries, the places of formation and shaping. May we value both, O Lord. Amen.


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Holy and Perfect

Readings: Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30

Exodus 29:45 – “I will be at home among the Israelites, and I will be their God.”

Today’s readings are mostly about the priestly clothing and their ordination into service. Reading these verses led me to reflect on the changes that have occurred around some of our “priestly clothing.” In some denominations today the clergy wear a robe whenever they are “on duty.” In other denominations robes are rarely worn, even in worship. Changes are also reflected in the peoples’ attire too. “Sunday best” also represents a wide spectrum in many of our churches.

In Exodus 28 instructions are given for how to make the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. This uniform is to be worn whenever they are on duty. Instructions are given for the undergarment, the robe, the vest, the chest pendant, the flower ornament, and the turban. There is a strong connection to the twelve tribes of Israel and to the holy role that the priests will play in the life of Israel. We again see great attention to detail and we see meaning and purpose in all that God does.

In Exodus 29 and 30 we mostly read about the instructions for ordination. There is great ritual embedded in this process. This reflects the importance of the priest’s roles. We read about a daily sacrifice too – a “soothing smell,” a gift to the Lord. In our lives and in our faith we are to mirror this idea. We do so in our daily commitment to prayer, Bible study, and holy living. We read about the census and “temple tax.” We mirror this support too – in our gifts to God, both monetary and time/talents. On either side of this we read about the making of the incense altar, the washing basin, and the incense recipes. In even these small items we see detail, purpose, holiness.

In these three chapters we see a focus on being holy and perfect. This is for one purpose: “I will be at home among the Israelites, and I will be their God.” May all that we do and say and think also be ordered and ordained by God so that our heart too is a home for God.

Prayer: Lord God, today the detail of your plans amaze me. They reveal who you are and who Israel needed to be so that you could dwell among them and with them. You call us to live detailed, holy lives too. May it be so. Amen.


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A People the Lord Has Blessed

Reading: Isaiah 61:8-11

Verse 11: “The LORD God will grow righteousness and praise before all the nations.”

In the second half of this week’s Isaiah 61 passage God declares a love for justice and a corresponding hate of robbery and iniquity. In all things God loves good and hated evil. This is because God is good and in God there is no evil whatsoever. Created in God’s image, God’s intent is for us to mirror the character of God. In verse 8 God promises an everlasting covenant. Through this covenant the people of the Lord will be blessed.

Beginning in verse 10, Isaiah responds. The promises of God bring delight and joy to his soul. The prophet noted that God has “clothed me with garments of salvation… in a robe of righteousness.” Covered in these figurative garments, Isaiah is empowered to practice and to reflect the character of God. The living out of a deeply rooted faith will be a witness to the people of God and to the world. This connects back to verse 9b, where we read, “‭All who see them will recognize that they are a people blessed by the LORD.”

Our passage also connects with an analogy that I’ve touched on the last two Sundays. In these words of hope and of a promise of new life, Isaiah draws on the image of a garden. The soil and the seed are essential. Good tending is necessary. And then God gets involved as the seed sprouts, grows, and eventually bears a crop. The same concepts are true in our faith. Time in the Bible tolls the soil of our hearts. Worship and study and prayer plant seeds that we must tend to and nourish. Then God’s Holy Spirit gets involved, leading and guiding our growth, causing our faith to grow deeper, allowing it to be witnessed by all, leading others to seek out the One in whom we delight and find joy, the One who leads us in righteousness and into salvation. May this be so for you and for me today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, your covenant remains true today – you are our God and we are your people. Clothe us in righteousness, fill us with the joy and delight of salvation through Jesus Christ. Then set us out into the world, Lord, drawing others into a saving faith. Amen.


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Restore Us

Reading: Psalm 80:19 – ‭‭“Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”

As the psalmist writes these words, loss is heavy upon the people. Written in about 700 BC, this lament most likely comes from the remnant, those who survived the fall of the northern kingdom. It was a brutal and sobering experience for the people of God. Prayers for restoration and salvation are ‘normal’ in times of great loss and deep grief.

When we’ve experienced a difficult loss, often our first hope is to go back to how it was. Soon, though, we come to the hard realization that this will not happen. Our loved one is gone, the job is forever lost, the dream will never materialize. This was the case for God’s people in Psalm 80. The siege and destruction and death and loss are irreversible. So these prayers for restoration and salvation are prayers that look forward. It is initially often very hard to look forward and to find hope in the immediate aftermath of a great loss. It is through faith alone that God’s light and love can begin to again shine in our darkness.

God promises to love us always, to be with us in all things. It is these promises that the psalmist clings to. It is with faith that he or she writes, “Restore us, Lord God Almighty.” Bring us new life. Bring hope into our hearts once again. “Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Light our path, help us to take one step forward. Save us from our situation, from our pain and suffering, from our loss and grief. These are prayers of faith and trust. In times of loss, may these be our prayers and our hope.

Prayer: Lord God, there will be times of loss, pain, and grief. Some of us are in the midst of this season right now. In these moments and in these seasons, remind us again and again of your great love for us and of your desire for us to find hope and joy in this life. In our times of need, guide us to this place of faith and trust. Amen.


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Patiently, Attentively, Actively

Reading: Psalm 80:1-7 and 17-19

Verses 2-3: “Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”

In this week’s Psalm the people of God are waiting to hear from God. The Psalm begins, “Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel.” They have lifted prayers to God and eagerly await God’s response. This is not like that text or email that we send that says, ‘Call me when you get a chance.’ This is lifting a prayer to God and then actively and attentively waiting for a response from God. Devotional writer Willie James Jennings beautifully describes it this way: “It is waiting inside a conversation that is happening inside a life with God.” The prayers of the psalmist and the prayers of the people are words offered within an intimate and personal relationship with the Lord.

At this point, as was the case in Isaiah’s passage yesterday, the Israelites feel or sense separation from God. Their sins have created this feeling. Sin isn’t the only thing to create a feeling of separation. Challenges that life throws at us can also cause these feelings. I think today of my beloved relationships. When I have caused hurt in these, I offer words of apology or healing and then I wait for a response. I don’t offer these words and then go off to do something else. I wait patiently and attentively.

The great plea offered in Psalm 80 comes in verses 2-3: “Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” There are words of restoration and salvation in this plea. There is a hope and a trust that God will respond. These lead to waiting for God’s response, waiting patiently, attentively, actively with an open and obedient heart. In our moments and seasons when we feel separated and in need of restoration and salvation, may we too wait patiently, attentively, and actively.

Prayer: Lord God, I’m waiting here for you. In my distress and in my trial, I come to you seeking guidance and direction, a restoration to wholeness. Pour out your healing power, lay on the balm of your love. I will wait in hope and with trust in you, O God. Amen.


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More and More

Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

Verses 22-23: “God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

After opening his letter to the church in Ephasus with a reminder of their spiritual blessings, Paul offers words of prayer that they would live into these blessings. He has heard of their faith and love and he has prayed each day for them. This is not just a prayer of thanksgiving but it is also for growth and greater understanding. Paul wants to see their faith mature and deepen.

To this end, Paul prays for “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” These abilities, enhanced by the Holy Spirit, will enable them to “know him better.” The “him” and the “he” that Paul keeps referring to is Jesus. Adding to head knowledge, Paul prays that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” Here Paul connects to the spiritual blessings that he wrote about in verses 3-14. With hearts open to fully receive, Paul prays for them to know the hope of their salvation, the glorious inheritance that is guaranteed by their adoption into the family of God, and the power that is theirs through Jesus Christ – the one who came to “bring all things in heaven and in earth together.”

Paul then reminds the Ephesians and us that God raised Jesus up and placed him “at his right hand,” giving Jesus full authority over all things. In verses 22-23 we read, “God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body.” There is a totality to Jesus’ reign. While this has not yet been fully realized, it will be a complete reality one day. In the interim, for the church in Ephasus and for the church today, our task is to live in such a way that makes this more and more of a reality day by day. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, your desire is to be in all and over all and through all. You want to sit squarely on the throne of our hearts. You want us to give ourselves to you and to this world more and more each day. Yes, may it be so, O Lord. Amen.


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Come and Listen

Reading: Joshua 3:7-9

Verse 9: “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.”

Photo credit: Terry Vlisidis

As we begin the first of two days in Joshua 3, we start with God speaking to Joshua. God assures him of God’s power and presence in this transition of leadership. These words must have been very assuring and encouraging to Joshua: “I will begin to exalt you… so they may know that I am with you.” As important as it is for Joshua to hear these words, it is at least as important for the people to experience these words being lived out. They need to know and trust that Joshua is indeed God’s next chosen leader.

In Joshua 3:9 he gathers the people with these words: “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.” The first part is an invitation into God’s presence – come here, draw near, enter into holy space. The second part is an invitation into an attitude of readiness and expectation. The call to listen is more than a call to notice that someone is talking. It is a call to pay attention, to be ready to receive these words, to be expectant and ready for what the words call us to. In this proper attitude and posture Israel is ready to receive God’s word as spoken through Joshua.

These two practices are essential elements of our relationship with God. They are essential because without these two practices, God remains a distant buzz somewhere in the periphery of our lives. Step one is to draw near. Whether that is making quiet time each day, bowing one’s head in intentional prayer, or entering the sanctuary for worship, we must make the effort to step into God’s presence, inviting the holy to draw near to us. Next we must quiet ourselves and be attentive to the voice of God. This voice may be revealed in the scriptures, in the nudge or whisper of the Holy Spirit, or in a myriad of other ways that God uses to lead and guide us.

This day and every day may we choose to draw near to God, seeking holy presence and guidance for our daily life.

Prayer: Lord God, kindle in me a fire to know you more, better, deeper. Pour out your love into my heart, breaking it wide open to receive your word. Fill my hands and feet with that overflowing love, making you known to the world. Amen.


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Praise the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 99

Verse 6b: “They called on the Lord and he answered them.’

As I read Psalm 99, two parts stand out to me. Parts of the Psalm speak of God’s character and this draws us to worship God. The other parts speak of God’s call upon our lives and of how this draws us into a relationship with God.

The psalmist reminds us that God is supreme over all the earth. He or she also reminds us that God is mighty and that God loves justice. Yet God is also a forgiving God. Yes, at times God has some consequences for our “misdeeds.” Because this is who and what God is, we are drawn to worship and exalt God. This is the entry point into a relationship. As our relationship with God begins we are able to call on our God who hears and answers our prayers.

The psalmist provides a few examples of those who called upon the Lord: Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. Before they could call on God, though, they too had to respond to God’s call on their lives. They had to accept the call and make the choice to enter into a relationship with God. The same God continues to reign over all of creation. As we experience God’s character in many different ways we too are drawn into relationship. As this grows we come to trust that God will answer our prayers and cries. This is because God is a God of relationship.

So today and every day may we humbly come before the almighty and all-powerful God of all creation, the personal and intimate God who wants to be in a relationship with each of us. Coming before God, may we worship and praise the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, in power and might you sit enthroned over the nations. In love and grace you reach out for a relationship. You are holy and righteous. And you want to walk daily with me, a sinner saved by grace. I am overwhelmed by your desire to be in this personal and intimate relationship with me. All I can do is praise and worship you for this great love. Thank you, God. Amen.