06/14/2020
Just as we pray for our physical wellbeing, we should also pray for our hearts, minds, and souls. It is so easy to concentrate on the outward pains and the worldly needs of our physical selves, but the worst of all pain emanates from our heart, and our spirit; they are born of a damaged faith. They well up in us from an aching deep within our soul. We see the wounds made to our flesh, but is our soul bleeding, and suffering today?
“Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.”
Psalms 6:2-4 KJV
Doctors deal with broken bodies, and poets write of broken hearts, but the pain of a lost or broken faith dwells in our hearts, and is written in our minds... it overshadows all else. So as we come to the Lord in prayer there should be nothing we give more attention to than our faith, and belief. Without these the words we speak are of no use.
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
Hebrews 10:16-17 KJV
As we close the door to our prayer closet, our secret place, we should ask the Spirit to lead us in a plea for God to heal our faith, to forgive us, and that we should receive His peace. We are not at our best when our spirit is tormented; our prayers lack conviction when our soul aches, and how can we see clearly when we find ourselves squinting in the faint light of a failing faith. Let’s call on Him to strengthen our disbelief, and bring faith and peace to our trust in Him.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 ESV
So even in the depths of our soul’s torment, and pain, there is hope. The salve that heals our spiritual wounds being applied by faith, and that faith a gift from God. Are our souls wounded today, and are they bleeding within us without our having properly tended to them? Are we hurting terribly without praying for God to treat, and bind unseen spiritual wounds? Are we ready to call out in the name of Jesus, and ask Him to intercede on our behalf... To help our unbelief?
“And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!””
Mark 9:23-24 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the faith you planted within me, and for the healing power it brings to my soul. Thank you for your Son Jesus who helps me in my unbelief, and strengthens my faith. Hear me Father as I cry out to you for your healing touch today, and mend any wounds to my spirit, that might cause my soul to suffer. Teach me father to come before you in contrition, and seek your forgiveness. Teach me to pray that my faith be increased. In this way Lord, I open the door of my heart to you, and give you free access to the innermost reaches of my soul... I pray that you bring your comfort and peace there. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who sees my wounded body, knows the needs of my spirit, and hears the moaning of my soul. You are my God who stands ready to heal all wounds. Praised be your name Merciful Father as you hold me in your arms, and heal me through your love... by your Son Jesus. Glorious are you, and all honor and praise are yours now, and forevermore. Bind up my aching soul as you bring words of faith to my mouth, and song back into my heart. Lift me up Father, and seat me at your table forever.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
Psalm 42:11 ESV
Rich Forbes