January 29, 2015
I will call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 17:6
Within our last two devotions, we have looked at two essentials of being a Christian. It has been our faith which has sustained us besides the grace which only God can provide. We looked at The Book. The Bible isn’t a novel or several lines of poetry but a book which has made all the difference. Today, I would like to tear apart another important component of being a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ not just today but every day, pray.
In 1 Kings, Solomon makes note of the “P” in pray: “And when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel-being aware of the afflictions of their own hearts, and spreading out their hands toward this temple.” “P” represents plea, what we do in talking to God. We make a request unto Him for relief from illness, a desire for a job or simply to hear what is on our minds. Rachel, in the latter parts of Genesis, is pleased with her plea as God has given her a son. I am making a plea daily that the Lord will answer my plea for His desire within my future for a job. The parable of the persistent widow is an example within the New Testament. Do not be afraid to make a plea to God because He cares for you.
In our readings of the Bible, we observe there were others like us in that they sinned. What is God’s response? “R” is for Redeemed. As it is recorded several times; in Psalms: by His mercy and unfailing love and from the oppression of men. In Zechariah it states, “Surely I will redeem them.” It is with gratitude we have a Savior who redeems or frees us from our wrongs.
“A” represents answer. How wonderful to know we have Someone who cares for us and responds in a way He feels is best. It may not be what we desire but if we truly believe, His answer is the ideal solution. There is no better acknowledgment of our plea.
“Y” is signified by yes. It does not correspond to the “yes” as an answer or reply. Yes, we know a special person who cares for us with an everlasting love, an infinite sense of grace and peace in knowing He is there to respond to our plea, redeeming us and saying “yes” to His child.
Prayer: Make us mindful, dear God, of what it means to pray. In Your Name, Amen.
Jeff Spang