by Denny Harris, Executive Pastor of McLean Bible Church
In those fifteen words, the Psalmist has captured an essential element of prayer. The effectiveness of our prayer has far less to do with the words of our mouth than it does with the attitude and condition of our heart. At first glance, this may sound like one of those "too good to be true" offers. But it is true, not because it's about a great deal (you do this for me and I'll do this for you), but because it's about a great transformation of the heart. When we delight ourselves, first and foremost, in the Lord, when our focus is on His glory and His grace, He begins to transform the desires of our heart to mirror His own. And in that way, we experience the truth that prayer does not change things so much as it changes us at the deepest heart level.
It is a transformation that offers a rich reward. The writer is not talking about receiving normal, mundane things. Rather than our everyday needs, it's the infinitely higher level of our heart desires he has in mind -- the most precious concerns we might have.
Father, we realize that much of our prayer has to do with things that may only remotely reflect Your heart. Help us as we prepare for prayer to meditate on Your glory, Your grace and mercy. Help us to praise You not so much for what you do, but for who You are. We delight in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Take Action: Commit to God that you will continue praying daily and ask Him to help you with that goal. He will!
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Love y'all,
MLH
P.S. Anyone else have a favorite verse? Share it with us in the comments!
2 comments:
I've always been partial to Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version):
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
keeping with Bethany's verse, I often claim Isaiah 46:4....
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
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