All in Prayer
“She’s a Bethlehem Donkey. They get the name from their markings. If you look closely, you’ll see a brown stripe down her back and across her shoulder making the shape of a cross.” That’s how the owner introduced me to the new donkey that arrived with a small herd of cattle.
Jerry and I enjoy watching the same TV programs. My hearing problem is frustrating for both of us. When my husband hears several “huhs” from me he will ask, “Are you wearing your hearing aids?”
“Hang in there” is an expression of encouragement in today’s world. It’s a way to say, “Don’t give up.” Recently, I needed to apply the hang in there concept to my prayer life.
Ladies, there’s that word remain again; only this time it’s coupled with an invitation to ask. Not just to ask though—to ask whatever you wish. Seems simple. I’m more than willing to ask for what I wish; but not so fast—lots of hidden innuendo in Jesus’ words.
Marana tha. I love this word and want to add it to my everyday vocabulary. It’s only used once in Scripture, even though early believers used it often in their everyday speech. It’s a two word Aramaic phrase with multiple possible meanings, but the most common translation is “our Lord, come.” Paul used it as he closed his letter to the believers in Corinth.
“Hang in there” is an expression of encouragement in today’s world. It’s a way to say, “Don’t give up.” Recently, I needed to apply the hang in there concept to my prayer life.
I have to admit, I don’t really like a quiet house. If I am alone, I’ll turn on the TV for some background noise. When fixing dinner or cleaning up, I like to watch or listen to something. I immediately sense the urge to turn on a little HGTV, etc. Even in the car, I am listening to something. Not that this is wrong, but I have allowed this to become a habit for me.
Do you know someone who doesn’t know how to listen? I became acquainted with a kind man who worked at a grocery store I frequented. Every time he saw me, he would stop what he was doing and head my way. For the next ten minutes (at least) he would tell me all about what he had been doing, about his family, or about anything that came to mind. He loved to talk, but he didn’t know how to listen. I once told my husband, “I know a lot about that man, but he knows nothing about me.”
“Hang in there” is an expression of encouragement in today’s world. It’s a way to say, “Don’t give up.” Recently, I needed to apply the hang in there concept to my prayer life.
I wonder in amazement at all that’s covered within the few words found in the benediction in Numbers 6:22-27. Thirty-one words cover the totality of all Christians desire in life: May Yahweh bless you and protect you; may Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may Yahweh look with favor on you and give you peace.
I’m enjoying this season of life as a grandmother. I, and others like me, especially ‘look with favor’ into the smiles and twinkly eyes of the little ones we love so much. Their youthfulness seems particularly vulnerable to all the potential snares and dangers that lie ahead of them. I’m paying attention in a different way than I did as a young parent. I look with an expanded heart that’s grown wiser and, hopefully, more compassionate through the years.
God instructed Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites through one of the most beautiful benedictions in Scripture. The phrase invoking Yahweh to be gracious to them captures my heart. I’ve asked for help, protection, encouragement, mercy, wisdom, and strength, but I don’t think I’ve ever asked God for His graciousness in my life.
God spoke to Moses in Numbers 6:23, saying, Tell Aaron and his sons how you are to bless the Israelites. The benediction God communicated to Moses included an intriguing phrase. Aaron and his sons were to ask Yahweh to make his face shine upon them.
Through the years, I’ve had the opportunity to correspond with Christian friends from various countries. I’ve particularly noticed that they always include a blessing at the beginning and the end of their correspondence, whether written or emailed. My typical American reply seems shallow in comparison to the richness of theirs, yet attempting to add a benediction always seems somewhat contrived.
My children have recently earned the privilege of staying home alone. At first, my husband and I would only take a walk around the block. Next, we felt comfortable running an errand, and now we leave them alone for a few hours at a time during the daylight hours.
My precious, elderly mother doesn’t engage in conversation like she did up until a few years ago. I live a few states away from my parents, so our communication is by phone. Dad talks freely while Mom is silent on the phone extension—until we begin our “goodbyes.” Then Mom pipes in, “It’s so good to hear your voice, Karen.” I’m grateful she still recognizes my voice and knows me by name.
I usually do not accompany my husband when he goes out of town for a big bicycle ride,
but, for some reason, this time I did. We quickly checked into our hotel and headed
back out to go eat with some of his cycling buddies.
In the first phrase of this verse David prays about his prayers. His desire is that his prayers would be like incense to God.
Open your Bible to the middle and there you find the hymnbook of God—those inspired songs full of praises and prayers. God inspired the psalms for many reasons, but one important reason is to enhance the worship of His people.
