“Nothing pleases God more than praise as a part of our prayer life, and nothing blesses someone who prays as much as the praise that is offered.”*
It is good to praise the Lord (Psalm 92:1).
*Henry Cowman as quoted in Streams in the Desert, p.299.
David said, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life. He will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble. I believe I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord (from Psalm 27).”
David prayed: “Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud. Teach me your way. Lead me on a level path. False witnesses have risen up against me (from Psalm 27).”
Speak what’s true about God. And then pray.
Friends gave us a book. Twenty-one years ago. I just started reading it.
Perhaps a gift you’ve given is sitting on a shelf. Perhaps your prayers are yet unanswered.
“And Patience was willing to wait.”*
*L.B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, p.339.
Whenever I pray, I make my requests with joy (from Philippians 1:4 NLT).
Joy is the settled and unwavering conviction that a very good God is always in control.*
*Bill Pinalto, https://www.edgebapt.com/sermons/sermon/2019-09-08/joy-in-christ-and-one-another
Due to circumstances beyond his control, a winsome young man has found himself in a disappointing job. Day after day he enters a prison-like gray cubicle. He doesn’t see sunshine. Or clouds.
He struggled with depression. Until now. Every morning he enters his cubicle and pauses to imagine Jesus. Sitting there. Waiting for him.
He is finding joy.
The Lord has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”
Our youngest 14 month old grandson had surgery (ear tubes) last week. We were concerned that he’d cry (well scream) when they took him from his parents to go to the operating room.
He’s usually more comfortable with men than women, except for his mom, so we prayed that a male would carry him back.
Here’s what my daughter texted while he was in surgery. “They took him back. A male anesthesiologist was holding him and he was happy. Praise the Lord!”
Sometimes suffering seems endless. Keep praying. Keep waiting. Our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
