Praying into God's Mercy

Because you have messed up, you might not want to approach God. You might even feel unworthy to come before God with what you have done or you might doubt that God can help your in time of need.

Consider the words of the Psalmist:

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by." Ps. 57:1

The psalmist recognized that in a time of danger, he could put aside all unworthiness and approach God for help.

When you do need help or forgiveness, how willing are you to come before God? Can you let yourself live under the umbrella of God's mercy? Can you put away your pride? It might take more effort, but you will feel the peace that can only come from God. You might even experience the deliverance and answer to prayer that you need.

Praying for the Spiritual Growth of Others

Recently, I read in a church bulletin the request by parents that others would pray for their children coming to know Jesus Christ. As I read that request, I wonder how much we really do pray for the spiritual growth of others. While we might be praying continually for people to be healed, to get a job, or graduate from school, I'm afraid that others spirituality can be a neglected dimension in prayer.

Is there someone you might know who does not know Jesus, or is having doubts about the faith? Might not your prayers be needed for this individual?

I think we have to realize that faith goes beyond reason. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. As such we do need divine help.

Along with this, we would also recognize that God's power can work beyond what we can imagine. We must never give up on praying for someone's salvation. The Holy Spirit can work beyond what we can conceive.

So, who today needs your prayers for spiritual growth. Why not pray today for them!

The Ubiquity of God

Our outdoor sign has the slogan this week: "Because God is everywhere; you can pray anywhere."

While we know that distance isn't a factor in our praying, it helps to be reminded that we really can pray anywhere.

Might there be some venues where you do feel closer to God? In church? Out in a park?

What about when you are in the hospital, or when you are driving and you get lost? Might these places also hold weight in terms of knowing God is near to you?

In the Psalms we read, "Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." Ps. 139:7-8

There is no place that we can flee from God. Despite that, we can know that we have a loving God who is always open to hearing our pleas as well as our words of thanks - at any place, and at any time.