A morning thought

I was listening this morning to a teaching by Alistair Begg on the prodigal son – a favorite story by a favorite story teller.  In talking about the prodigal’s return and the father's warm welcoming home he describes the father’s embrace and said “when you squeeze Him compassion comes out because He is full of compassion”.  I just love that image of pressing into the Father and being enveloped by His compassion.  No “I told you so” or “you should have”s just the Father’s  embrace.  What amazing love and what amazing joy to be His child. 

Dinner guests

Reading this morning a commentary on Luke 14:7-11 about pride and humility, the author said "True generosity springs from a heart full of mercy and compassion." and ended with a simple prayer -"And purify my love for others . . . "

This got me thinking about my own heart which lead to thinking about Jesus washing the disciples feet - so this is my prayer.

Yes, Lord, purify my heart.  Thank You that You have washed it clean but as with feet, it needs a daily rinsing off.  Show me how to guard it in a way that allows it to be broken by those things that breaks Yours but is strong and steady in the face of whatever may come my way; that responds to the needs of others with love and compassion but is not fooled by the deceitfulness of sin – in myself or in others.  Thank You that You have given me a new heart and that it beats with the rhythm of Your own and that it is safe and secure within Your hands.

All from a parable about dinner guests :)

A morning muse

Father, when I read about prayer, as I did this morning, I always feel myself to be lacking in that area and I find myself wondering why I seem to struggle so.  I want to be a woman of prayer, who continually and persistently “inquires” of You, and yet how much of my day is just given over to “auto-pilot” or worse trying to figure it all out on my own.

The other night, in the parking lot of Wal-mart, I looked up and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the sun setting, the colors were just spectacular and I just had to stop for a moment to take it all in – a moment of such awe and wonder and worship.  But I was also struck by how people were just going about their business and didn’t seem to notice or appreciate the gift of the glory of that moment.

I think, at times, prayer is like that for me.  Here is this incredible gift of being able to enter into communion with You, at any moment, and instead I get lost in the day to day routines of life.  Father, forgive me for my not being more persistent in prayer.  Awaken in me the desire to pray and to remember just who I am and my need for Your guidance and direction in my life.  I remember once hearing it said, it’s not Your assistance I need but Your existence in my life.  You lead, and I'll follow.

Yes, I do set aside time to “be with You” but I want more of You – not moments but constantly and continually in Your presence.  Yes, Lord, let’s work on that – and thank You for the desire.