Praying the Words of Jesus

Today’s Scripture Readings:

• OT: Ezra 7
• NT: Mark 15
• W&W: Psalm 39

Today’s Reflection:

When I read Mark 15, two statements from Jesus stood out to me: “Yes, it is as you say” (Mark 15.2), and “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15.34). I invite you to “listen in” on my conversation with the Lord…

First of all, I know, Lord, it is as you say. I wait for you to speak in my future, for you have spoken in my past. All you have decreed is, and all you shall decree will be. Speak, Lord:

• To me so that I can know your will
• To Lana so that she can know your will
• To those involved in calling me to my next assignment so they can know your will
• To my children so they can help us discover your will

Speak, Lord, for your word is reality! It is as you say!

Also, Lord, I see that Pilate said more than he understood when he called you the King of the Jews. May the same be the case for those involved in calling me and for those praying for me. Would it be possible that a “word of prophesy” – a word that goes beyond human understanding and calculation – might be spoken by them? May it be so obviously from God that it would be said of all those involved, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” So may it be as they say!

To that end, Lord, may I speak words that will bring about your will. By faith may my words – “Be removed and thrown into the sea” – move all mountains and bring about the Kingdom of God. Do this in my preaching (revivals and pulpit supply coming up) and in my situation with job and ministry. May I be discerning and courageous enough so that it will be as I say!

Lord Jesus, your next statement recorded in Mark 15 arose from the depth of your identifying with my sinfulness. I could never understand what you experienced as the Son of God to feel forsaken by your Father. Yet, there is a cry that arises from my heart. I feel afraid, at times overwhelmed. Alone. Hearing your cry from the cross, I know, Lord, that you understand me. As a matter of fact your understanding of my situation goes deeper than my own understanding of it. In that I am comforted.

My Jesus, may I never “feel sorry for myself,” but may I always look to your example and find courage in your courage, faith in your faith, and obedience in your obedience.

Amen.


This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.