Re-establishing Priorities Through Prayer
In this time and space of human history, I reckon there is an unprecendented amount of "happenings" that constantly vye for our attention. Generally, our working hours are longer these days, a family to care for, our constant need to be entertained (sometimes ludicrous and unsatiable), wondering why I'm not upgraded to Business Class, serving in a ministry and the list goes on. When we spread ourselves too thin, we are effectively reducing our availability for God's power to work in and through our lives. No wonder we often suffer from burn-outs.When we come before the Lord in our usual prayer, we are often quick to throw in our complaints and lay endless petitions. If you recall my last email "Before My Lord", I too am equally guilty. However, a good look at Matthew 6:7-8 is where Jesus tells us not to babble on like pagans, and that our Father in heaven already knows our need.
Jesus goes on to teach us how to pray. Let us look closer at the Lord's prayer : Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Note the order of the prayer : saluting God, praising His name, desiring His Kingdom and seeking His will. Only then the rest of the prayer was about our needs, forgiveness and our protection.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God before all these things shall be added unto us. Do note that "all these things" also includes His gifts that He promises us. It is an issue of sequence. God and God alone has to be desired above everything else. I am not suggesting at all that we should drop all that we are doing right now. By no means! I believe Jesus is constantly challenging us about the issue of priority sequence in our lives. You and I may need to reshuffle the sequence of priorities, and where necessary, may be challenged by God to give something up altogether.
The next time you and I come before the Lord in prayer, invite God to speak into our hearts as we open our prayers with "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name".
posted by Mel-Vern @ 9:10 PM
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