08/04/2022
When we enter into our prayer closets do we do so with praise on our lips, or have we prepared a long list of needs and troubles that we can’t wait to lay tearfully before the throne? Are we glad to be coming before our Father, and are we excited to be able to talk to Him about our problems, or are our eyes filling more and more with tears as we take each step closer to our audience with Him? Although there are countless sorrows and troubles lifted up to the Lord in prayer each day, isn’t it remarkable that Heaven is filled with praise and worship… not wailing, tears of sorrow, or the sound of mourning. So, how should we begin our prayers? How should we enter into the presence of God?
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.”
Psalm 92:1-3 ESV
Jesus tells us that if we pray in faith, God’s will, and His name, that through Him, the Lord will give us what we ask for. If we trust in Him, and truly believe that this is true, then where is our own joy in praying? What is stopping us from praising God for what we are about to receive, and thanking Him in advance for the many blessings our voices of prayer will speak into existence? Jesus did this as He stood before the tomb of Lazarus; listen…
“So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”
John 11:41 ESV
And then, after having offered thanks in this way, Jesus called Lazarus from the grave…
“When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.””
John 11:43-44 ESV
So often we pray with a voice of defeat. We enter into our place of prayer with our heads down, and express a lack of hope like both Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, did to Jesus…
“Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:21 ESV
And…
“Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.””
John 11:32 ESV
Is this the same belief we bring with us into prayer? Are we lost in our tears, and defeated by the world? Has doubt robbed us of our joy? Where is the praise, and the thanksgiving, that should be clothing our unwavering faith?
“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”
Psalm 95:2-3 ESV
This is how we should enter into prayer, by knowingly thanking our Lord for the victory that is awaiting us.; even before the first sword is drawn… before the first Word is prayed, and as our praise is being offered.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for helping us in times of trouble, and for your Word, the sword that goes before us. We praise you for the power of your promises, which allow us to sing songs of victory and praise you for all that we are certain will come. We enter into prayer with confidence, and anticipation… holding firm to the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who was, and is, and is to come. We praise your Holy name for you are the great I Am who created all things, and repairs the faults in our lives to perfection. You are a Merciful Father who gives us every good thing, and inspires our songs of praise with your grace. Wash us clean with the blood of your Son Jesus, and see only His face as you look into ours. Find us worthy in Him, then seat us at your table as we continue to sing your praises for all eternity yet to come…
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; .”
Psalm 96:1-4 ESV
Rich Forbes