Sometimes we go through seasons in life when our prayer or Bible reading/study seems to be less energetic, less intense, maybe even of less interest. Every so often, I think, it is helpful to “be still” before the Lord and just listen to what He has to say to us. Lately, I have found several scripture verses resonating with me. So, my prayer this week is that God’s Word would speak to each of us. [all scriptures are from The Message by Eugene Peterson]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak*
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. (from Eph. 5)
God is strong, and he wants you strong….Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued…Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. (Eph. 6)
So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. (Php. 1)
Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. (Php. 2)
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! (Php. 4)
[Fill] your minds and [meditate] on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Php. 4)
God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. (1 Thes. 1)
Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves. (Php. 4)
Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ. (Eph. 6)
I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say*
So, speak, Lord, for your servants are listening.
Amen.
*by Bart Millard & Pete Kipley; (c) 2002 Simpleville Music, Songs from the Indigo Room, Wordspring Music