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About prayer and to whom we pray.
I’ve been reading an excellent book, A Praying Life, by Paul Miller. Miller did not plan to write this book, but over the years as he and his wife cared for their daughter, who has autism, their family learned a few things about talking with God, and trusting in Him, too. I’ve been taking my time working through Miller’s stories and insights, and appreciate his honesty about the impediments to prayer, and his rather simple approach to taking our thoughts, feelings, fears, worries, disappointments and even our skepticism to God…in prayer. I’m especially connecting with the joys and challenges of raising a special needs child. That’ll keep you on your knees a lot.
Among the things that caught my attention, I made a big star in the margin next to this quote:
“…God is in the matter, no matter what the matter is.”
That’s a “good word” and brings to light a simple question.
Do you and I really believe God is in the matter? That God is in every matter, every situation?
Is God sovereign? Is He good? Is He looking out for me as He works on His grand story? Is He in everything? Even sorrow, suffering, and unanswered prayer?
These beliefs affect how we pray. If He isn’t over all, and in all, why pray?
I believe God is in the matter, no matter what the matter is. Accordingly, I am trying to more frequently begin my prayers, whether private or public, by acknowledging God’s omnipresence, His knowledge of all things, His goodness, mercy and love. I want to speak the truth of His sovereignty, His almighty hand at work and character?
A “life verse,” a passage that has become a go-to truth for me, is Psalm 145:8.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
He is all of that and far more. He is kindly in my matters. And He is in YOUR matters.
How have you seen God in the matter? What’s an instance in which you saw God at work, maybe even when it wasn’t immediately apparent? Or, is there a passage of Scripture that makes this truth more real to you?
