Author: A Prayer Life

The Path of Life

~ A Prayer Life ~ 1 Comment

You will show me the path of life…

~ Psalm 16:11a (NKJV)

In Robert Frost’s famous poem The Road Not Taken, he describes one path that eventually diverges into two deep in the woods. This individual spends the greater portion of the poem contemplating which road to take. Yet, unable to take them both, and having to decide, the traveler chooses the one that looks less worn, less used. And his conclusion upon taking “the one less traveled by” is that it made all the difference in his life.

When it comes to our spiritual path, our soul’s life journey, only the path God shows us is the path of life. Though other paths might entice us with the lure of worldly treasures and temptations, ultimately they lead to death. Jesus would put it this way, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” If He has not done so already, pray God would show you the path of life. For in His path alone, lays all true difference.

~ apl

The Comfort of The Cross

~ A Prayer Life ~ 2 Comments

We have taught our people to use prayer too much as a means of comfort – not in the original and heroic sense of uplifting, inspiring, strengthening, but in the more modern and baser sense of soothing sorrow, dulling pain, and drying tears – the comfort of the cushion, not the comfort of the Cross.

~ G. A. Studdert Kennedy (1883-1929)

The Ears of God

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The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

~ Psalm 34:15 (NKJV)

Note: Even though the Bible teaches God is Spirit, the Lord is sometimes described in Scripture using human features. He is said to have human characteristics. I think the best way to interpret the passages that speak of God in this manner is not literally, but figuratively. And the Lord uses this human (anthropomorphic) language to describe certain attributes, not so we know what He looks like, but so we can better relate to Him and understand more fully who He is in our relationship to Him.

Having touched on the Biblical significance of The Eyes of God, let us turn our attention to the importance behind the Scriptural language of the Lord’s ears. The ear is the organ of hearing. By the ear, we receive and interpret sounds of various kinds. And like the human ear which is limited to detecting only a certain range of sounds, it seems Scripture teaches God’s ears are more specifically tuned towards the cries of His people. God wants to hear from us. He has inclined His ear towards us that we might know the Lord not only sees us in our life condition, but desires to hear from us regarding it. Therefore, may we not neglect so great a grace. Whether it be songs praise and thanksgiving, or the prayers of deep anguish and pain, Christians serve a compassionate loving God whose ears are open to their cries.

~ apl

The Eyes of God

~ A Prayer Life ~ 3 Comments

[God’s] eyes are upon the ways of a man, And He sees all his steps.

~ Job 34:21

Note: Even though the Bible teaches God is Spirit, the Lord is sometimes described in Scripture using human features. He is said to have human characteristics. I think the best way to interpret the passages that speak of God in this manner is not literally, but figuratively. And the Lord uses this human (anthropomorphic) language to describe certain attributes, not so we know what He looks like, but so we can better relate to Him and understand more fully who He is in our relationship to Him.

It has been said the eye is the window to the soul. There is something about looking someone in the eye. There is an honesty, purity, and clarity the eyes find hard to hide. When the Bible speaks of God’s eyes, or the eyes of the Lord, is speaks to His full awareness or knowledge of all things. God is omniscient. Nothing is unknown to Him. From beginning to end, the ways of man are plain in His sight. As Proverbs 15:3 reads, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good.” For those who trust Him, God’s watchful eye is a wonderful blessing. We can know He sees our afflictions. God knows our condition, and will come to our aid. But for those who do not fear the Lord, His knowledge of their sin will ultimately be what condemns them. Therefore, fear the Lord, take comfort in Him, for His eyes are upon you.

~ apl

The Face of God

~ A Prayer Life ~ 2 Comments

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

~ Psalm 105:4 (NKJV)

Note: Even though the Bible teaches God is Spirit, the Lord is sometimes described in Scripture using human features. He is said to have human characteristics. I think the best way to interpret the passages that speak of God in this manner is not literally, but figuratively. And the Lord uses this human (anthropomorphic) language to describe certain attributes, not so we know what He looks like, but so we can better relate to Him and understand more fully who He is in our relationship to Him.

In the passage before us here, God’s people are told to seek His face evermore. What, then, does it mean to “seek His face“? Think about it this way, what does it mean when someone turns their back on you? It means they are angry or indifferent towards you. It means they care not for you or your well-being. So when Scripture speaks of God’s face shining upon us, and not hiding His face from us, or that we are to seek His face, it simply means we should strive for the Lord’s gracious presence, favor and blessing in our life. It means to have our spirit gently warmed by sweet communion with Him where there is peace and rest for our soul. Seeking His face is seeking Him! And this, may we do, by prayer, by faith, and by Christ, now and forevermore!

~ apl

His & Mine

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It is astonishing that I should so be one with Christ, that all that He is becomes mine; and all that I am becomes His! His glory mine; my humiliation His! His righteousness mine; my guilt His! His joy mine; my sorrow His! His riches mine; my poverty His! His life mine; my death His!

~ Octavius Winslow (1808-1878)

Meek Simplicity

~ A Prayer Life ~ 2 Comments

What does the LORD require of you but to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

~ Micah 6:8b (NKJV)

Maybe the greatest beauty of the Christian Faith is it’s meek simplicity. It is true that you can multiply ad nauseam the theology, doctrines, practices and controversies of the church making the most simple things complicated. Over the centuries, well-meaning men have excelled in the art of making straightforward things complex. But ultimately, the question that should most intrigue the heart of the true believer is: What does God require of me?

The passage before us offers a wonderful summary of both God’s demands and desires for His people. And it is presented here in plainness and eloquence in three equally significant parts; do justly, love mercy and walk humbly. Imagine what the Christian life would look like if we but just consistently and faithfully followed these? How different would your life be?

The purpose of this short devotion is to remind the reader to keep their eye on those aspects of their faith and life that most matter to the Lord. These three requirements here in Micah essentially sum up the law to love God and love your neighbor. While engaging in the more weightier matters of our faith has its place and is important, we must begin and retain the simplicity of Christ as well, to do justly, love mercifully, and walk humbly with the Lord.