Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Father We Can Trust Completely

Scripture:

Daniel 9:18-19
“O my God, listen to me and hear my request. Open your eyes and see our wretchedness. See how your city lies in ruins—for everyone knows that it is Yours. We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful.”
“O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, for Your people and Your city bear Your name.” (NLT)

Observation:

Daniel’s prayer for his people did not go unanswered even though he knew from reading the Scriptures that Jerusalem must lay in ruins for seventy years. Yet, he cried out to God for mercy and confessed the wickedness of Israel. Daniel was well aware that it was Israel’s rebellion against God that had caused their downfall, but he longed for understanding and mercy, therefore, petitioned God through prayer. And while Daniel was deep in prayer God sent His angel Gabriel with visions of what was to come.

Application:

As Christians, our prayer life is an intricate part of our relationship with God, our Creator. God delights in our prayers because they not only show God that we are putting our trust in Him, our Father, but we are also acknowledging our dependence on Him, who loves us. When we humbly bow before Him in faith filled prayer we are relying on God’s wisdom, His love and compassion, His goodness and power. The Lord God is our Father and so as His children we should always turn and rely on our Father (Luke 11: 11-13) to provide and protect so that we can gain the wisdom that will not only give us an abundant life in all its fullness, but will also honor and glorify our Gracious Father who has provided us with the priceless, precious gift of undeserved salvation.
Setting aside all the reason’s we should pray, I believe that the most fulfilling aspect of our personal prayer life is the fact that it brings us into a deeper and more intimate relationship with God; not only an increased love and devotion to Him, but a true fellowship that draws us into His Presence with an everlasting friendship that has no bounds. Our prayers are the way we communicate with our loving, merciful, Almighty God and Father. And ever doubt, my friends, that when you humbly come into God’s Holy Presence (with sincere faith in your hearts) to pray, that He will answer you according to His will (Matthew 21:21-22).

Prayer:

How thankful I am, O Lord, that I can come into Your Presence knowing that You hear my every prayer, and gives only what is best. What honor it is to be called a child of the Living God; a Father who has provided more than I could ever deserve. I love you, my Father!

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