A Weapon and a Tool (and other devotionals)

A Weapon and a Tool

And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work. So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah.Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. - Nehemiah 4:15-17

Nehemiah left Babylon to return to Jerusalem because he had heard that the walls around the city were still in rubble. Though others had already returned to rebuild the temple, no one had determined to repair the walls and gates. This news brought Nehemiah to tears, as he fasted and prayed fervent prayers to God. He returned to Jerusalem determined to fix the broken walls, but he needed help and support from those around him. Nehemiah’s story is truly amazing in its purpose, preparedness, and planning. But even the best laid plans can come under threatening attacks—and his certainly did. Though they tried, those who were against the restoration of the walls and gates could not thwart Nehemiah’s plans. His men kept working, even as they had to strap a sword to their side for protection.

Our enemy is always lurking about us, roaming and seeking whom he may devour. But remember this: he cannot thwart God’s plans, even if he frightens us along the way. Nehemiah was aware of his enemy’s schemes and he did not allow those tactics to intimidate him or his workers. They kept a hammer in one hand and weapon in the other. Despite obstacles, persecutions and negative influences, we need to keep pursuing the things of God. Our enemy will use every trick in the book to keep us from being effective, productive and fruitful; but once we are aware of his schemes, we can fight back. Do not let fear, intimidation, insecurity or guilt keep you from being successful. Pray, plan and purpose in your heart to get going and do not stop. Be strong and courageous, and ask the Lord to guide your every step. 

~Daily Disciples Devotional~

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Seven Ways to Pray 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

My experience in prayer has been a journey with Jesus for 36 years. My heart to know, love and be known by my heavenly Father has not changed. But the depth and breadth of the richness in prayer has grown exponentially in its eternal consequences and earthly value. The more I pray—the less adequate I feel. The more I pray—the more I feel dependent on the Spirit to guide my way to God—to intercede in intimacy with Him. Prayer is the Lord’s loving reminder that He is God and I am not. Writing to the Ephesian Christians Paul instructs them to “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers.” Below is my modest attempt to describe a few ways to pray:

Contemplation
When we contemplate in prayer we marinate our mind and heart in the Word of God. As we meditate on Scripture we ask, “What is the context?” “How does this apply to readers in their  day?” “How does this instruct me for today?” As we process the Word in prayer we draw closer to the living Word—Jesus. Truth transforms our thinking and behavior to become like Christ’s.

“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word”
(Psalm 119:14-16).

Confession and Repentance
Like a car driven daily picks up road residue, so our soul is soiled every day by doing life. Life is messy and sinful. It requires ongoing cleansing from our Savior Jesus. Prayer is our safe environment for mercy and forgiveness. Our holy heavenly Father cannot look on sin, but He does accept our faith in His sinless son as the payment for our sins. We confess to acknowledge our wrong and we repent to turn from our wrong. Prayer positions us for God’s forgiveness.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Rejoice
Prayer is joyful. We celebrate our good and generous God. We praise Him for His loving favor and His beautiful creation. Our hearts elevate in grateful worship when we recite the Lord’s blessings of: Christ’s salvation, the Holy Spirit’s comfort, friends who pray with us and family who love and care for us. Prayer is our pipeline to express joyful thanksgiving to Jesus. We can’t help but rejoice for we serve our risen Savior and Lord. Joy mutes the screechy voices of anger.

“Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance” (1 Samuel 2:1).

Cry Out
Pain and suffering aggressively call for prayer. In our darkness we ask other children of the light to agree with us in prayer. Though we may feel abandoned by our heavenly Father—by grace and in prayer—we will not abandon our faith in Him. When we hurt deeply, we have the opportunity to go deeper in our communion with Christ. He becomes our confidant as we suffer with the One who suffered for us. Prayer may not remove our pain, but it sustains us in our pain.

“Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly” (Psalm 102:1-2).

Petition
Our heavenly Father delights in giving good gifts to His children. Similar to any good parent He gives us what’s best for us and not always what we want. So, we are commanded to persistently ask the Lord in prayer for what pleases Him. When our prayers align with His will—our life becomes a big deal. In fact, prayer is the platform for the Holy Spirit to align our will with His. Thus, we petition God for healing, wisdom, and salvation of the lost and trust Him with the results.

“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer” (Ezra 8:23).

Jesus Model
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray—we call it the Lord’s prayer. The prayer is comprehensive: 1) Communal-“Our Father” 2) Majestic-“In heaven” 3) Reverence and awe of God’s holiness-“Hallowed be your name” 4) Kingdom minded- “Your Kingdom come” 5) Seeks God’s will-“Your will be done” 6) Requests daily provision-“Give us daily bread” 7) Asks forgiveness- “Forgive us” 8) Offers forgiveness- “As we forgive” 9) Keep from temptation- “Lead us not” 10) Protection from the devil- “Deliver us from the evil one.” Pray like Jesus.

“This, then, is how you should pray” (Matthew 6:9).

Spontaneous
Every moment of the day is opportunity for spontaneous prayer. “Lord thank you for giving me this opportunity. Heavenly Father I trust You to lead the conversation with my co-worker. Dear Lord, give me wisdom to parent my child today. Jesus, I need You to show me how to love my spouse as You love them.” Create a prayer habit, so its the entrance and exit of your thoughts, words and actions. Pray without ceasing and you will not cease to be amazed at God.

“Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grow me into a humble person of prayer.

~Wisdom Hunters Devotional~