THE BIBLE AND PRAYER

Psalm 119:1 

BLESSED ARE THEY…WHO WALK ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF THE LORD

The longest book in the Bible, Psalms, is a book of prayer.  The longest psalm is a strong though implicit, message in this fact: In the heart of the Bible is a book about the life of prayer, and Scripture is critical to the life of prayer.

There are two reasons Scripture is so important to prayer. One, Scripture emphasizes god’s side of the prayer conversation. It is not the only way God speaks, but it is the norm by which we know his is speaking. God speaks through his Spirit into our hearts, for example. But, if what we think we hear the Spirit saying conflicts with Scripture, we can be sure it is not the Spirit speaking. Two, Scripture teaches us how to better hold up our end of the prayer conversation. The psalms, for instance, may not always express what we feel, nor should they. But more often than not, they are models of prayer.

What follows are some highlights from this psalm of the Word of God. Use them as material for praise, confession and petition.

1. Don’t worship the book, but the God of the book. By reading the book, “I seek [God] with all my heart" (verse 10).
2. The Word of God will keep you from sin. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (verse 11).
3. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you understanding when you read. "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law" (verse 18).
4. The Word of God shows the way of freedom "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free…I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts" (verse 32, 45).
5. The Word of God provides wisdom and develops character "I gain understanding from your precepts, therefore I hate every wrong path" (verse 104).
6. The Word of God gives guidance in life "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (verse 105).
7. The Word of God is absolutely faithful "Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them" (verse 140).

PRAY:

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your Word.

And set my heart free, that I may run in the path of your commands!

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO Bible Stories Theatre

of Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

OBEDIENCE OR PREFERENCE

Matthew 26:36-42

Every believer must choose whether he will live by the principle of obedience or follow his preferences. When a person commits to doing the Lord’s will, then every situation and decision is sifted through the standard of "God said it, so I’m going to do it—and that’s the end of it." He may complain, weep, or try to argue. But in the end he will be obedient, no matter what.

I recall being invited years ago to interview with a church in Atlanta. During the entire road trip, I told the Lord that I didn’t want to move. I fussed and carried on a good while, but I knew Atlanta would be my new home. I didn’t like the idea, but the alternative was unimaginable: there are few things more unpleasant than living with the nagging anxiety that you missed out on something good.
The Lord certainly understands our need to question, cry out, and petition Him for the strength to do what He asks. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that we have a high priest who can sympathize with us. Jesus wasn’t excited or happy about the cross. He grieved over the coming separation from His Father. Nevertheless, He was committed to following God’s will (Matt. 26:39). No one took Christ’s life from Him; He laid it down (John 10:18).

Our lives are about fulfilling God’s purpose. Many people miss His awesome plan for them because they choose to follow their preferences. Obedience is sometimes hard, but the struggle and sacrifice are worth it. There is joy and peace for the believer who pleases the Lord and lives by His principles.


Submitted by: Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.