Tuesday August 24, 2021

Praying the Scriptures

Today is Tuesday, August 24 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 digest 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 read the words of ancient scripture and meditate on how God might be speaking to me through these words to me today. I celebrate the goodness of God and the hope of restoration promised in Psalm 71.

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. Psalm 71:20

Pause and Pray

Jesus speaks to his disciples at the Last Supper. This is his final discourse to those who loved him and followed him. He wants to prepare them for the events to come and give them some understanding of the challenges they will face ahead. He wants them to experience peace and joy despite the troubles the world will bring them. Sometimes people imply that Christians will not face difficulties in this lifetime, but that is not true. Jesus knew his followers would suffer many struggles and even endure persecution. However, Christians have resources the rest of the world does not have. Jesus is telling his disciples how to face the troubles of the world.

“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:31-33

God is a God of restoration. The world in which we live is filled with challenges, setbacks and troubles. Troubles come unexpectedly. I may try to prepare and plan for unseen difficulties, but I cannot prevent their arrival. Troubles will come in this life, that is unavoidable. The question I must ask myself is, “How will I handle troubles when they arrive?” I want to know how I can utilize every resource God has given me.

Ask: What troubles, setbacks or challenges (big and small) am I currently experiencing in my life?

Pause and Pray

God of Grace, I thank you for Jesus who conquered all the troubles of this world including victory over sin and death. I know you want me to experience peace and joy in the midst of all circumstances this world can bring. Teach me to face impending troubles with the resources that you provide. I return to the scripture passage and read it again slowly. Please open the ears of my heart to hear the word you want to speak to me today.

“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:31-33

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?

I reflect on these words of Jesus and try to understand what God is revealing to me. What might these words or phrases be telling me about a circumstance or situation in my life right now? Are they words that indicate my lack of unbelief, or separation from Jesus? Are they words that reveal the weight of my troubles? Are they words that encourage me to “take heart”? Jesus says, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” The verb in Greek which we translate into English “take heart” is from the Greek word tharseo which means “have courage, be hopeful and be bold.” I can approach every part of life with courage, hope and boldness.

Pause and Pray

God of Peace, today I name the troubles that are brewing and the challenges I am facing. I invite you into my circumstances and ask you to work all things together for good in every concern. Inspire me to “take heart” amid setbacks, counting on Jesus. Amen.

The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble; he protects those who take refuge in him, even in a rushing flood. Nahum 1:7

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I have renewed hope. I ask God to show me people who need refreshment, restoration and healing. Enable me to love them in the name of Jesus with words and actions. Amen.