We've just completed a week of reading, reflecting, and praying thoughts of praise and thanks to God. As we come to the end of week #2 of the "Dear God" prayer journey, a couple of thoughts...
- PRAISE really does set the tone for a right and healthy relationship with God. When I recognize and verbalize the good things God IS and DOES, it motivates me to pray even more. It helps me remember how powerful the One we pray to really is. It helps me recognize and receive the way He cares about me.
- PRAISE seems to be a part of nearly all the prayers in the Bible. Even Jonah in the belly of the whale. Even Jesus in the hours before his death. Even David, reflecting on his own failures. Apparently, the people who are growing spiritually - the people who really "get it" when it comes to a relationship with God - those people PRAISE HIM as a habit.
- I should also add that I don't think saying words of praise to God is like "buttering God up" so you can ask Him for something big. It's not an attempt to play the "teacher's pet." Of course God sees right through that. Part of the reason we commit to doing something for 40 Days in a row is because we want to get better at this. I want to learn the habit, the routine, the commitment of praising God and talking with Him the right way.
- PRAISE is important to God... "Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name." The word "hallowed" just means "holy, awesome, perfect, completely greater-than-our-names..." God deserves and seeks hearts that approach Him this way.
- Starting tomorrow, we'll have seven challenging days of prayer. We have just looked at the greatness and praise-worthy nature of God... and now we'll take a long hard look in the mirror. I don't deserve praise. In fact, I am far from perfect, and have done nothing to earn God's favor... This next week has to do with prayers of repentance and confession.
Dear God... you ARE awesome. Help me give you praise and priority in my thoughts this week. Help me hear what you have to say about me... and my failures, my blind spots, my regrets, my past... If you are indeed sitting on the throne of the universe, then make me ready to humbly submit my heart to you... Please help me deal honestly with my sin, in light of your forgiveness and love.
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