Friday August 27, 2021

Today is Friday, August 27 and this week we are exploring the concept of restoration and how it relates to the biblical story.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit, enlighten my heart and mind as I search God’s Word in the holy scriptures. God, teach me how to listen for your voice. Help me understand what you are saying in my life. I am listening. Speak to me in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I pray the scriptures with God today, listening attentively for the message God has prepared especially for me. I rejoice in the comforting and hope-filled words of Psalm 46.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3

Pause and Pray

The psalmist celebrates the powerful strength of our ever-present God. The prophet Isaiah reminds me that renewed strength is a benefit I can receive from God. Renewed strength is something I can put on again and again, like new clothes. Strength from God restores me when I need it the most. My circumstances may not change, but my ability to tackle them changes because of the strength God provides me.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

God is a God of divine strength and mighty power. God’s strength is far beyond my feeble human comprehension. I cannot begin to compare human strength to the strength of God. The strongest weightlifter knows there is a weight too heavy to be lifted on his or her own. Sometimes life gives me things to carry that I am unable to lift on my own. There will be places where I think I am strong, and I will be surprised to discover that I am actually weak. God’s strength is reserved for believers who recognize they are weak alone. When I understand I need God to tackle the circumstances of life I am ready to receive His power in my life. Strength from God enables me to make progress in this world and soar above earthly problems.

Ask: In what places in my life do I perceive I am trying to carry something that I am not strong enough to bear on my own?

Pause and Pray

God of Might, there are circumstances in my life where I am tired, weary and weak. I look to you for help and strength. I put my hope in you and trust that you will empower me to rise above earthly challenges and make progress. I reread the words of Isaiah again and seek your message for me today.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Ask: What word or phrase strikes me when I read this passage? What might God be speaking to me as I ponder this word or phrase in my heart?

As I reflect on this passage of scripture, I listen for what God is revealing to me. What images does the passage bring to mind? What word or phrase stands out to me the most? Does the image, word or phrase describe what is going on in a part of my life? What might God be trying to tell me? God provides a source of strength and power that comes from outside myself and is beyond my comprehension. What does the scripture tell me I need to do to receive this benefit from God?

Pause and Pray

God of Strength, today I name the weary places in my life where I recognize how much I need you. I cannot accomplish what I need to do in my own ability, and I invite your Holy Spirit to empower my life. Amen.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I ask God to strengthen me and show me how to strengthen others in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.