pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: prayer


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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.


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Prayer and Repetition

Reading: Philippians 4:5-9

Verse 6: “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Photo credit: Diane Simumpande

After encouraging us to “rejoice always” yesterday, as we continue in Philippians 4, we read, “Do not be anxious about anything.” As Paul often does in his letters, here he encourages us with the best choice or action and then he acknowledges the human reality. Yes, in a perfect world we would all go from rejoicing over this to being thankful for that to… But we do not live in a perfect world. Being anxious or growing fearful or allowing worry to preoccupy us… can be our human reality, especially in the world that we now live in.

Anxiety, fear, doubt, worry – these seem to rise up at night. During the day most of us are busy. This keeps these emotions at bay. Reflecting on the day just done or thinking about the days ahead, these can cause our troublesome thoughts to bubble up, especially when we lay down to go to sleep. With no phone, no TV, no distractions, these emotions can try to take center stage. Paul’s advice (and not just at night!) is this: “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

If we are able to lift that thing to God in prayer without raising our anxiety… then that is option one. Sometimes praying about it, though, raises our anxiety… In these situations ,we can offer words of prayer that focus on God instead. This kind of prayer can be a simple “Lord have mercy” repeated again and again. It can be the Lord’s Prayer or some other prayer or scripture that you know, repeated over and over. Or it can be a passage from the Bible, read over and over as a prayer lifted to God. As we offer these prayers to God, God enters our situation. The peace of God soon settles over us and “guards your hearts and your minds.” This presence of God keeps the anxiety… at bay. In everything, may we go to God in prayer. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when those negative emotions begin to rise up, remind me to turn to you. Draw me into conversation, into prayer, into connection with you, allowing you and your peace to gently sift through my worry, fear, anxiety, doubt… Filled with your peace, bring me gracious rest. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Interceding

Reading: Exodus 32:11-14

Verse 13: “Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel…”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As we continue in the Exodus passage for this week Moses seeks God’s favor, interceding on behalf of the people. This is not the first or last time that Moses will do this. Nor is he the first prophet to do this. This practice is not limited to prophets either. The practice of interceding on behalf of one another is at the core of the community of faith.

Using the same language as God, Moses doubles down, asking, “Why should your anger burn against your people?” Moses reminds God that it was actually God who brought the people out of Egypt. This is a type of prayer that we pray too. We remind God of what God has done in the belief that God will do it again. Moses wants God to rescue them not from Egypt but from their sin this time. Moses also reminds God of the relationship and its foundations. First, Moses says, “Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel…” Moses then reminds God of the promises. Yes, we too pray both of these prayer types too. We invoke our relationship (or another’s relationship with God) and we recall the promises found in the scriptures both as a reminder to ourselves and to God as well.

Can we change God’s mind with our prayers? Perhaps? Is God just using such prayers to reinforce our faith and trust? Maybe? While we do not know the answers to these questions, we do know that we are brought before God regularly and divinely. The Spirit interceded for us, often in groans and always in ways aligned with God’s will (Romans 8:26.) Christ himself also intercedes for us as he sits at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34.) I believe the content of these prayers comes from his time on earth.

May we too choose to stand in this long line of faith, interceding for one another, lifting one another before the throne of God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being for us. Thank you for the ways that you, the three-in-one, intercede on our behalf – evidence of your great love for us. We know that you have good plans for us and that you seek to work these out. Help us to be a part of this today. Empower us to be a part of this great prayer effort today, both for ourselves and for one another. Amen.


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Three P’s

Reading: Exodus 16:6-15

Verses 6-7: “In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord.”

Continuing on in Exodus 16 we see 3 traits of God on display. Two are obvious and one is found “between the lines.” In verses 6-7 we read about one: God as provider. Because the people are hungry and are unable to provide for themselves, God brought quail at night and manna in the morning. God is our provider too. Sometimes food is what we need. Sometimes it is peace or joy or strength or the opening of a door or guidance for a next step.

The second trait is found in both the manna and in the cloud. God’s presence is found in the glory in the cloud and in the thin flakes that appear on the desert floor. In their doubt and in their want, God’s presence fills these voids. God is present to us too. Maybe it is in worship. Maybe it is on a walk. Maybe it is when you bow your head in prayer. Or maybe it’s in those moments of great need when you feel God’s arms and love surrounding you.

The third trait is God’s patience. The testing and the grumbling are already frequent, just days into this journey. It’s like your child asking “Are we there yet?” before you’re out of the driveway. Moses even makes it clear that the Israelites are really grumbling “against God.” It doesn’t seem to bother God. At all. God knows the big picture, the master plan. And God knows us too. God created us. God is not done with the Israelites and God is not done with you or with me. Although we also grumble… and doubt and question and worry and… God is ever so patient. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Lord God, you are indeed provider, presence, and patience. We need each in large volume. You give and give and give out of your great love for us. May our response be to live there out with one another. Amen.


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People of Forgiveness

Reading: Matthew 18:28-35

Verse 33: “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”

As we continue today in the gospel lesson for this week, we see that the servant now goes out, fresh from being forgiven a huge debt. But instead of being filled with joy and good will he latches onto a fellow servant who owes his a small sum. Demanding payment and refusing to be patient, he has the man thrown into jail, where he will remain until the debt is paid.

Other servants see what has happened. Knowing how great a debt this man has been forgiven, they are “greatly distressed” by how he treats his fellow servant. They go to the king to right this great wrong. It all is so unfair. I don’t know about you, but I have and I can act this way at times. I know that God and others have forgiven me for things big and small and every place in between. I did not deserve to be forgiven some of the time. Yet I was. Even knowing all this and being so grateful for such mercy and grace, I can struggle to forgive someone for the smallest thing. I get stubborn or arrogant or prideful and it becomes hard to let something go, to get to the place of forgiveness. At times I’m not so unlike this forgiven servant.

The king (God, right?) is so upset with this man that he says, “You wicked servant.” He reminds the man (us) of how much was forgiven. Then he asks this pointed question: “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” It is a great reminder for us. The man is then thrown into prison (hell). Jesus closes the parable by reminding us all that God will treat us this way too if we refuse to forgive one another. Each Sunday we pray for the ability and strength to do just this. May this passage and our weekly prayer reminder help us to be people of forgiveness always and without condition or limit. This is what God offers us. May we go and do likewise.

Prayer: Lord God, without your grace and mercy that leads to forgiveness, I would face a most dreadful future. Without practicing your model of grace, mercy, and forgiveness, my relationships would be a shambles. Thank you for showing me the way to truly live and love. Empower me to live it out daily. Amen.


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Praise the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6 and 16-22

Verse 2: “Sing to God, sing praise to the Lord; tell of all God’s wonderful acts.”

Today’s Psalm encourages us to praise God for all that God has done. The psalmist invites us to sing our thanksgiving to God as we recall the wonders, the miracles, and the judgments. While it is easiest to praise God for the wonders and miracles, it is also good to remember and offer praise for the judgments. In the lives of God’s people and in our lives these hard but necessary moments kept us aligned with or brought us back into living out God’s will and ways.

The Psalm recalls some of the important times when God acted on behalf of the people. These are certainly reasons to praise the Lord. Today, let us also recall our more recent but ancestral experiences that are worthy of praise. Begin with your family and your church(es). When was God faithful? When did God provide a way? How did God intervene on behalf of your church or family? Praise God!

And then take a step closer to home. Think about your own journey of faith to this point. What encounters with God come to mind? When did God draw near to lead or guide or provide? How has God redirected your path or choices? How has God’s presence brought you comfort or peace or grace or redemption? Praise God!

Pause and offer words of thanksgiving – in song or prayer – for all that the Lord has done. Yes, God is good!

Prayer: Lord God, pausing and reflecting I can see how you’ve led and guided in so many ways – both in the story of your people and in the lives of my family and churches. Thank you! And as I stop and look within my journey I can see your fingerprints there too. Again, thank you! Amen.