As the rain and snow

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ” 1 John 3:1

One gift of a long drive is beholding the broad and varied beauty over many miles. Clouds mingle and meander, changing form and shedding shadows with changing light. Soft hills rise and flatten. Suddenly splashed flecks of color fill the median and shoulder of an otherwise plain road, offering splendor and delight to the senses, catching both the eye and breath.

Our schedules and days cover many miles, and as Christians we own God’s splendid seed of grace and truth. We can hum along, self-focused, and hoard it, or keep hold and save it. Or, we can with joyful effort strew it out and along to scatter His light and loveliness. It takes intention, yet we only need sow- all else and any growth and blessing is up to Him. (John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 3:6)

So what drives us as we drive ahead in our rhythms and endeavors? Is our goal to produce, achieve, and finish? Or do we prepare our souls early and seek where the Lord would have us go, what speed He would have us travel, whom He would have us touch or encourage or thank, and where He might want us to serve?

Just as our heart can skip with delight in a glorious colorful spread we know is not haphazard, may we so take care to plant those hints of God’s glory for others. What will I say or do to make a difference today, and cause someone to see and extol Jesus?

“Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love,
Tell of his pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust him if only you prove
True, ev’ry moment you live.

Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.

Refrain:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.” ~Ira B. Wilson (1909)

Lord, keep me faithful to scatter Your beautiful excellencies wherever I go, for the sake of Your renown.

“’If you, Israel, will return,
    then return to me,’
declares the Lord.
‘If you put your detestable idols out of my sight
    and no longer go astray,
and if in a truthful, just and righteous way
    you swear, “As surely as the Lord lives,”
then the nations will invoke blessings by him
    and in him they will boast.’

“This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem:

“’Break up your unplowed ground
    and do not sow among thorns.
Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,
    circumcise your hearts,
    you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem,
or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire
    because of the evil you have done—
    burn with no one to quench it…

“Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved.
    How long will you harbor wicked thoughts?'” Jeremiah 4:1-4,14

Only God determines what a real return is. Man who is sin-stained through and through will not, and cannot, manufacture genuine repentance without heavenly grace applied. Our hearts want to hold onto just a bit of the former life, dance just another few steps with worldly tease, linger just a while longer in impure thoughts. We justify mostly returning by excusing flesh passions as natural, unavoidable.

But God’s return demands a complete turn: a naming and absolute removal of sin’s filth, a cutting off of extraneous and calloused habits, a thorough cleansing of heart and mind and every ensuing behavior. He tolerates no residue of the old, and requires that He be the sole recipient of our attention and affection. A clean heart has no room for entertaining foreign gods.

What keeps us from true repentance? What higher value do we place on a divided heart, a straddled fence of devotion? With which idols do we continue to flirt and skirt close to their fire? Where have we been deceived into believing the lies that life lived for me is more satisfying than life surrendered to Jesus and lived for others’ sake? What behaviors and choices have we abdicated to stubborn rebellion? Honesty about our sin leads to honest confession and renewed devotion. Would we heed our Savior’s call to return? (Jeremiah 5:23)

“Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin!

“For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
    and blameless in your judgment…
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow…
Hide your face from my sins,
    and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me…
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:1-4,6-7,9-10,12

Oh Father, create in me a clean heart, that I might seize the life You intend with freedom and gusto, to the praise of Your grace.

“To whom will he teach knowledge,
    and to whom will he explain the message?..
And the word of the Lord will be to them
precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
    line upon line, line upon line,
    here a little, there a little.” Isaiah 28:9a,13a

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:3-8,10

A morning storm rumbles and grumbles, scattering spray, slamming rain pellets on the metal roof, pocking the water already at high tide. Wind shakes branches as a wriggling backdrop to the streaky downpour. How can more rain be absorbed? What happens when the clouds keep adding water to water?

In the Christian life, we can have enough for now, yet always add. We can be filled with the Spirit, and supplement that filling so it affects all we think, say, and do. Our days here below, this side of glory, are never to be static, but given so we will keep adding to what God pours into us as He fits us for heaven. Just as unused muscles atrophy, and used ones develop and strengthen, so we keep on being filled in order to overflow in lush, significant, fruitful living. (John 15:16)

How vibrant is our sanctification? How robust our exercise of every gift given, every quality bestowed? What are we practically doing to add to our faith, and virtue, and knowledge, and how steadfastly do we keep on? When are we taking time and deliberation to set aside other intoxicants that allure us to be filled with the Holy Spirit? (Luke 17:6; Ephesians 5:18)

What choices do I daily make that either push me backwards or propel me forward in my sanctification? How do I measure on learning and loving and praising God more and more? On being increasingly grace-filled, kind, compassionate, and forgiving? How obviously are the fruits of the Spirit growing, and what difference are they making in my thought life, my work, my relationships with others? (Psalm 145:1-2; 146:1-2; Jeremiah 7:23-24; Galatians 5:22-23)

Lord God, while I have breath, may You increase and I decrease. Please keep adding to all that is of You in me, so others recognize I have been with You, and my life fruit brings You glory. (John 3:30; Acts 4:13)

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—
    let Israel now say—
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side
    when people rose up against us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
    when their anger was kindled against us;
then the flood would have swept us away,
    the torrent would have gone over us;
then over us would have gone
    the raging waters.

Blessed be the Lord,
    who has not given us
    as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped like a bird
    from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
    and we have escaped!

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:1-8

“Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26

“If God is for us, who can be against us?.. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?..

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31,35,37-39

This sin-stained world has, since Eden, tainted every thought, every effort, every interaction. Our inheritance from Adam fixes us among enemies of body and mind, those who oppose God and inclinations that oppose holiness. Our flesh battles with desires that both want and abhor coincidentally, leaving us in a stew of wretched. If not the Lord, then who? Who can deliver us from the body of death, and the pursuing enemy? Who can help in the battle against evil forces, guard us from despair and depraved affections, keep us safe in Christ’s love? (Romans 5:12; 7:24-25)

If not the Lord, then who? Who would defend a sinner like me before God on High? (Romans 8:31-34)

If not the Lord, then who? Who would be my shepherd, my help and shield? (Psalm 23:1-3; 28:7; John 10:11-15)

If not the Lord, then who? Who would satisfy my deepest longing to be known, my spiritual thirst and soul hunger? (Jeremiah 31:3; John 4:14; 6:27,32-33,47,51; 7:37-38)

If not the Lord, then who? Who could expose and relieve my hidden sins? Who could redeem my wasted time, my failures, my shame? (Psalm 51:1-12; 139:23-24; Joel 2:25)

If not the Lord, then who? If not for His great love we would be consumed, forsaken, without hope. (Isaiah 62:3-5,12; Lamentations 3:19-23)

But we have the Lord! He is on our side! The blessed One has freed and saved us! He lives to intercede for us! He helps and guides and ever abides! Why do we faint? What causes fear? Where are we insecure, or uncertain? God is our sustenance and portion, the strength of our heart! The LORD, He is God, and is for us! (1 Kings 18:39)

Lord, cause me to find my help in You, the only one worthy of my trust and praise. (1 Chronicles 17:20; Isaiah 45:5)

“John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,  and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood  and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

“’I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” Revelation 1:4b-8

When John extends grace and peace to the seven churches in Asia, he makes much of their Giver and Source. These gifts pale in comparison to the infinite God, Spirit, and Jesus Christ from whom they proceed. John wants these believers to know the One who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, the eternal Creator and Sustainer of life, the supreme Ruler of kings and nations, the perfect, benevolent Sovereign. He would tell much about His provisions, visions, and lessons, but it was He who was the protagonist, the lead actor, the solo star in effecting the grace and peace He bestowed. He always had been, was, and always would be supreme Lord. (Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:3; James 1:17)

When we hanker for goods or affection, and look for stability or peace or my-way resolution, it is natural to go after and be taken by the objects and favors and answers themselves. We want what we want in my time and this place and now. But we must never seek gifts apart from the Giver, nor dictate their how and when, nor think successes are self-achieved. We have nothing that has not come from God’s hand that upholds the universe and has provided from eternity past to future everything needed by man. (John 3:27; Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Colossians 1:16-17)

How willing are we to push aside the stuff we seek to behold Him, enthroned? What needs to be cast away so we can bow before this self-existent One, the firstborn and risen faithful witness? The One who loved us so much He died to free us from all our sins, and their consequences and fallout, forever? In seeking Him, with thanksgiving, trust, and praise, we find the grace and peace we desire. It is in Him, His abiding, strong presence that indwells and surrounds and hems us in. (Psalm 139:5; Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27)

He always has been and is the Ruler of all rulers, King of every king on earth through the ages. He is the only and true source of grace and peace. Behold Him in wonder! (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15; Revelation 19:16)

“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”

Lord, may I always seek You above Your gifts, to Your praise.

“Let me sing for my beloved
    my love song concerning his vineyard:
My beloved had a vineyard
    on a very fertile hill.
He dug it and cleared it of stones,
    and planted it with choice vines;
he built a watchtower in the midst of it,
    and hewed out a wine vat in it;
and he looked for it to yield grapes.” Isaiah 5:1-2

“In that day,
‘A pleasant vineyard, sing of it!
    I, the Lord, am its keeper;
    every moment I water it.
    Lest anyone punish it,
I keep it night and day…’

“In days to come Jacob shall take root,
    Israel shall blossom and put forth shoots
    and fill the whole world with fruit.” Isaiah 27:2-3,6

Vineyards are long in the making, cultivating, and tending, but once fruit is harvested, pleasantness flows and joy abounds. The years of wise care must be measured, thoughtful, and patient. Every effort at preparing, digging, culling, cutting, removing pests, pruning, and training, is toward a fruitful end that is always worth the effort and wait. (James 5:7-8)

It is the sure hope of God’s keeping that prompts us to send out shoots of risk and trust. It is the song of joy at the end that spurs us on through the tedium of required monotony. It is the promise of bountiful, delicious harvest that invites deepening faith through the detours, droughts, and impossibilities that loom in the present.

Our Lord has such wonderful intentions for His children, and provides all we need to live fruitfully, to understand and live in the flow of His will and to make a difference in our spheres of influence. If we would but remember His love songs and His care, His protective boundaries and ample nourishment, we would never wander out to strange fields. But the nasty little pests of pride and stubbornness and flesh, of self-will and preference for my way, can debilitate the best of good plans.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser… Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing… By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples… These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full…You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.” John 15:1,4-5,8,11,16

The secret of a pleasant and lush vineyard is our connectedness to the Vine. How closely are we abiding? In what ways do we take advantage of God’s prepared and cleared soil in our hearts, and take in His pleasant rains of truth to foster spiritual growth? How well disciplined are our efforts to move and stretch in HIs guided directions? Where do we need to yield to His pruning and reshaping?

Father, cause the vineyard of my life to bear sweet fruit for the good of others and the glory of Your name.

“Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.”

“He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the Lord.”

“Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.” Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1

“And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain… And he took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

“’Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation…’

“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 

“’Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!’

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 

“’To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’

“And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.” Revelation 5:6-9,11-14

The scriptures are rich with much music, its pages laced with songs of praise, lament, and hope. Musical expression flowed from surrender, victory, desperate need, and certain confidence, all heart-felt examples for God’s people through the ages. (Numbers 21:17; Exodus 15:19-21; Psalm 42:5-8)

But we crunchy people get in ruts. We whine the same complaints, mimic media talking points, drone on about our woes and the evils of others. With self-consumed perception, we’ve limited our scope to what affects us, disregarding the broad care of the Almighty and His wondrous, mysterious ways in the world. If we sing at all, we get on the old-record-skip of stale refrains with trite words that neither grip nor mean anything.

Yet even the prickliest of cactuses can bloom exquisite flowers, and an open heart can learn to sing new songs. The Creator of all beauty is worthy of our melodies, and infuses them with color and robustness befitting His glory. Are we willing to be made willing to sing anew?

Would we ask God to increase our capacity for care and wonder? Would we explore the scriptures to gain new wisdom, a wider outlook, heightened expectancy, and learn to sing new songs of praise and thanksgiving? Would we commit to lofty language, to high thought and expression that reflects the glory of Christ and shines His light in this dark world?

Lord, teach my mind to so delight in You that daily my mouth is filled with new songs that exalt Your inestimable worth.

“When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua said to him, ‘Are you for us, or for our adversaries?’ And he said, ‘No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, ‘What does my lord say to his servant?’  And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, ‘Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so.” Joshua 5:13-15

“Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light… And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’  He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’  And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” Matthew 17:1-2,4-8

Joshua had just begun his conquest of Canaan, and God intended to conquer his mindset and strategies first. He’d been anointed as Moses’s successor, but the Lord Himself would lead Israel’s armies, not he. When confronted, Joshua got it- his line of questioning was not germane to the Lord’s appearance and command. Peter had to be told to shush, as his verbal stream of consciousness ran full throttle. For him, chosen and taught by Jesus, there were impulses that needed restraint and discipline. Both men were earnestly ‘all in’ with their Lord, but riddled with snippets of pride, misunderstanding, and self-interest that had to be eliminated for God to fully have His way. (Deuteronomy 34:9; Joshua 1:1-9; Matthew 4:18-20)

In each case, a fall on the face, silent and listening, was the avenue to rectifying well-intended but wrong attitudes. Joshua’s attempt at discerning Israel’s defenses would be inverted, and Peter’s ‘it is good that we are here’ was actually true, but not for the reasons he thought. When God is in command, He persists to set our hearts and thinking aright. Once these men learned to know who was God and they were not, they were used in mighty ways. (Joshua 6:1-27; Acts 2:14-41)

Where has my eagerness to lead, drive, or serve run ahead of the Lord? Has any hint of thinking too highly of myself stained a clear understanding of Who’s in control and leading the charge? When I put my feet down every morning, do I claim that land as mine, or bow because it is God’s? What will I implement to listen more and speak less? (Romans 12:2-3)

LORD, remind me You have appointed my work and interactions, and You alone do I serve on holy ground . Unless You lead, build, and fight, my labor is in vain. (Psalm 127:1-2)

“In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea.” Isaiah 11:11

“Listen to me in silence, O coastlands;
    let the peoples renew their strength;
let them approach, then let them speak;
    let us together draw near for judgment.” Isaiah 41:1

“Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’” Jeremiah 31:10

The morning tiptoes in with breeze and current, awakening marine life, wild horses, and birds. Birds! Gulls sweep and swirl as a graceful strand of pearls, long-necked cranes and ibis strut and poke the marshes with searching beaks. Culls, twitters, cackles, mournful coos pepper the fresh air, hushed by an occasional close-by whisper of feathered wings in flight. Outer banks are the only barrier between here and the vast dark sea. Listening in silence exposes the life of a new day.

Coastlands define our lands, tracing the division of water and land, marking the edge of solid here and infinity there. We are drawn to coasts because we yearn for a visual savoring of the eternity in our hearts. What do we learn from the coastlands? Do we take time to listen? (Genesis 1:9-10; Job 38:8-11; Ecclesiastes 3:11)

God is God of the edges, tracing the outer reaches of our lives and experiences, fully aware and keeping watch over even those areas we would neglect, or hold back from His notice or touch. Are we prone to flirting with the coasts of our devotion, and skirt too close to slipping, or betrayal? What causes us to overstep the boundaries our merciful God has set for our good and protection, thus endangering fidelity or a whole heart? Would we identify the rebel spirit, and come clean in confession?

What if we invited the Lord to extend His hand over every life boundary? What if we endeavored to enlarge our borders into God’s greatness, wisdom, and love, and then outward in ministry? (1 Chronicles 4:10)

“My stubborn will at last hath yielded;
I would be Thine, and Thine alone;
And this the prayer my lips are bringing,
Lord, let in me Thy will be done. 

I’m tired of sin, footsore and weary,
The darksome path hath dreary grown;
But now a light has ris’n to cheer me;
I find in Thee my Star, my Sun.

Thy precious will, O conqu’ring Savior,
Doth now embrace and compass me;
All discords hushed, my peace a river,
My soul, a prisoned bird set free.

Shut in with Thee, O Lord, forever,
My wayward feet no more to roam;
What pow’r from Thee my soul can sever?
The center of God’s will my home.

Refrain:
Sweet will of God, still fold me closer,
Till I am wholly lost in Thee.” ~Leila Morris (1862-1929)

Lord of the coastlands, trace Your grace around the borders of my days. Order my will and have Your way with me, that many will enter Your kingdom, renew their strength, and bring glory to Your name.

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:

‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.'” Matthew 6:5-13

Jesus’s preface for the right kind of praying covers both Jewish and Gentile common practices that His people must not do. Each group had its own brand of pride in prayer: a penchant for impressing onlookers with their show of prayer, and a cocky repetition of flowery phrases intended to impress God with what was actually shallow prayer. Both were forbidden, both necessary to put away for genuine, humble communion with the Hallowed One to take place.

Once an attitude of ‘notice me’ is forsaken, a humble attitude of ‘notice and acknowledge Him’ can ensue. Don’t and don’t make way for do. Then the real praying begins. We don’t approach God to get His (and others’) attention, but to center our attention on Him, His place, His power. We don’t approach prayer to inform God (or those around us), but to exalt Him and declare our dependence on Him. An effective prayer life is topsy turvy from how the world thinks and the flesh naturally behaves. But then, it’s holy, other-worldly communication with One whom the heavens cannot contain. (1 Kings 8:27)

What about our prayer life needs revamping? What seeds of pride or puffery have taken root in our approach to the Almighty? What rote habits smack of self-promotion or superficiality over a hallowed hush of wonder and praise? If we come humbly, and are willing, the Lord can change what we seek. And seeking His highest and best ways will end up fulfilling every desire.

Beware expressing devotion with no love, and giving lip service to requests with no desperation. When we approach God Most High, reverently extolling Him, laying out our needs in the light of His bountiful grace, we can know He hears our requests and give good things in response. Our focus, our confidence, our hope, are in Him alone. (Matthew 7:7-8,11; 1 Corinthians 13:1)

Father, draw me to the secret place with You. Please purify the secret places within me, that I would hallow Your name, and seek Your name and will and sufficiency above any selfish passion. To You be the kingdom and power and glory forever, amen.