Ask: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                Ask

                                               

                                                Visible or invisible

                                                Near or distant

                                                Spirit driven prayer

                                                Carries love and compassion

                                                Moment by moment

                                                Nudging each to

                                                Ask for truth, purpose,

                                                Commitment moment by

                                                Moment

                                                Voices speak hope.

Psalm 18:3, “I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.”

Ask: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                       ASK

                        So many pursuits

                        offer challenge

                        opportunity

                        fresh perspective

                        yet end in emptiness.

                        If heart does not first

                        inspire by Spirit’s nudge

                        then even good is can become waste.

                        Wisdom and prudence

                        offer discernment

                        if we would take the

                        time to ask.

Bird Struck! Whippoorwill

Family Devotional

Day Thirty-One

“I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered me.” Psalm 120:1

The elusive whippoorwill is named for its call. It is frequently heard at dawn and at dusk when it feeds, but is almost never seen. Its characteristics and habits are mostly known from anecdotes told to ornithologists.

In general only trained and observant bird listeners can tell the differences in many bird notes. However anyone who hears a whip—poor—will can identify it immediately. It’s fun to repeat its call too.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

Sometimes our own thoughts and the opinions of others jumble up in our mind and they become just a bunch of noise to us.

Just as Jesus said that the world would know His voice, He also promised to give us insight and guidance when we need it.

Sometimes our answers come from reading, or a surprising idea jumps out clearly, or we remember some encouragement from a conversation. But we know it is clear and sharp and we immediately recognize its “call.” There are many ways that Jesus helps us to know what to do when we are confused. When He gives guidance, we can recognize His voice even though we can’t see Him.

Action

1. Every day this week when you need guidance, pause for a few moments and ask God to give you guidance.

2. Spend one hour listening to voices around you. How can you tell what their attitude is based on the sound of their voice?

Read More

Psalm 86:5-7

Psalm 116:1-2

Jeremiah 33:3

Kingdom Manna

Tasks

Mark 15:43, “Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.”

It takes courage to wait in the face of an enemy. To approach anger or retribution or death just for asking. Instead of hiding and instead to plant oneself as visible and vulnerable.

It takes courage to wait in the dust of defeat. To maintain poise walking forward in public amid derision and ridicule of a collapsed mission.

It takes courage to wait in the cries of grief. To hold to hope or love or reconciliation when love is torn and bruised and buried. When death’s cold curtain removes all warmth from our hearts.

“Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.”

Boldness bought by love and sacrifice. Boldness born of divine courage. Boldness by a torn curtain. By invitation.

Boldness beyond the quaking limbs crossing the enemy’s chasm. Found kneeling, before the altar. With trembling lips and Your call of promise, “Ask.”

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 31:24

Be strong, and let your heart take courage,

all you that wait for the Lord.

Kingdom Manna

Cost

Luke 11:9, “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”

When we ask a friend or family member for a favor and they answer ‘yes’ before even knowing the commitment, it makes us feel valued. They are willing to do whatever we need help with. It is warmth that cannot be manufactured with sweaters and blankets but an internal glow that overflows.

A search for a special gift is double pleasure to both the recipient and giver when the present brings joy. A knock on a door that opens to sweep us into a room filled with welcome brings delight. These simple gifts we share with each other create solid bonds, growing relationships, and secure comfort.

“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”

According to Jesus, there are no limits set except to ask in faith. So simple a child can grasp. So magnificent we stagger. In doubts, in unbelief. Can it be true?

With the evidence of His love before me I still stumble at the possibilities. Yet the spiritual promises are more concrete than the physical. Christ’s realities more tangible than human frailties. I accept the offer from my friends with gratitude. Can I do any less for You, Lord? Help me to ask and seek and knock in faith.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 2:8

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,

and the ends of the earth your possession.