Purpose: Prayers and Poetry Introduction
Acts 26:16, “But get up and stand on your feet; for this
purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you as a minister and a witness not
only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I
appear to you;” (NASB)
This
year our devotional focus is based on this scripture’s theme. We will continue
to explore the journey of how scripture seeds define purpose as shared from Paul and
Timothy as they share their appointments of purpose in the book of Philippians.
This study unfolds in three parts. On Mondays we will
reflect on a scripture passage. Wednesdays consider meditative questions.
Fridays respond with poetry.
The Philippians verse translations are from the ESV Bible,
and the Psalm 18 verses are from NASB version.
Thank you for participating in our journey. Please share as you
discover your own questions and insights, prose, and prayers.
Perspective: Purpose:
Prayers and Poetry
Philippians1:1-4,“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ
Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Phillipi with the overseers
and deacons. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ. I thank my God in all remembrance of you, always in every prayer of
mine for you all making my prayer with joy.”
Perspective
Grace—peace—thankfulness—remembrance—and joy are not always
what we experience when we pray for those we care for. Love—yes. But often
concern, or anxiety, or commitments, guide our hearts and thoughts.
All together we are servants—so maybe we are not coming with
the right approach. We begin from our needs to place before the Lord instead of
coming to the Lord Himself in relationship with a listening heart. Then we may
be able to see the need through His perspective. And not from our limitations.
Perhaps the present need is a new opportunity for healing,
or growth, or a deeper faith walk. Or it will become an insight into a positive
relationship, instead of our immediate reaction of negative worry, which we
often tend to instinctively focus on. We see only the surface. He sees the
outcome.
Lord, please show us how to pray out of thankfulness first
before we bring our needs to You. And show us how to pray with joy—in all
situations.
Your thoughts,
No comments:
Post a Comment