O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:1-2
I continue pause my study of Zechariah and of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. Today, my preparation to lead Sunday school at my church, where our class is doing a study on prayer based on the book by A Praying Life, moves along. I pick up today in chapter 7 - Crying "Abba" Continuously, and 8 - Bending Your Heart To Your Father. Chapter 7 starts by sharing how out of utter dependence (like a child) we are driven to seek our Heavenly Father - Abba. We often act out of anxiety and this is noted how it can drive us to prayer - and the book describes simple two or three word prayers teach me, help me, etc. Father is mentioned as a one word prayer and how it was "the first word the prodigal son (Luke 15) utters when he returned home. It is the first word of the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), and it is the first word Jesus prays in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39-44). It is his first word on the cross-Luke 23:34-and one of his last-Luke 23:46." The book then emphasizes how in the chaos and anxiety of life we often can't think of the words to pray and in these moments we should be reminded that "the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words (Romans 8:26)." As we begin to transform our prayer lives, the author shares that it transforms how we go about our daily lives and observe others. We see them as others who are also utterly dependent on the Heavenly Father and we begin to pray for them in their needs - simple one to three word prayers. Ultimately, we are encouraged and animated to follow Paul's example of unceasing prayer. See text from Paul below:
While chapter 7 indirectly focuses on anxiety as a driver for continuous prayer, chapter 8 more directly addresses anxiety. We are encouraged to not feel in control of everything but instead to go to the one who IS in control - of course Jesus! We are referred to Psalm 131:1-2. As chapter 8 winds down, we are referred to Philippians 4:6-7 as a means to convert our anxiety into prayer.
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My Prayer: Father, You are an awesome God that gives me the Holy Spirit to guide me and protect me when I feel anxious - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
