Title: An Example Worthy of Following
Text:
1 Kings 8:22-23 (NLT)
22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the entire community of Israel. He lifted his hands toward heaven,
23 and he prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.
Observation:
Solomon provides us a wonderful example of how to pray effectively. There are two things about this passage that speaks into my heart. First, he begins the prayer with praise and thanksgiving.
In this prayer Solomon acknowledges and extols the character of God. Notice what he said, "O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below".
As I think about our God, and as I go to Him in prayer, I often go to Psalm 145-150 to help me to give praise and thanksgiving to God.
Psalm 145:1-3 (NLT)
1
I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.
3 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
The second thing I notice in our text for today is that there are conditions that God expects from His people when we come to Him in prayer. Notice what God expects of His people, "You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion".
We expect wholehearted performance from God when we go to Him in prayer. He expects wholehearted devotion from His people. I'm so thankful for the mercy of the Lord.
Psalm 145:8-9 (NLT)
8 The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I delight to praise your name today and everyday; there is no one like You.
Father God, I pray for the strength and the wisdom; both gifts from You, to be able to walk before you in wholehearted devotion. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.
My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:
No comments:
Post a Comment