Aug 29, 2016
Focus reading: Psalm 107:1-9
This psalm is essentially a call on the people of Israel to bear witness to all the wonderful things that God has done for them. This should be the pattern of our lives. In our worship, words and deeds we are called to announce this - announce the wonderful things that God has done and is doing and will do. One particular way we can do this is in prayer and this psalm provides a good model. When we prayer we like the psalmist we can:-
i.understand our lostness, our broken-ness and our need. (v 4-5)
ii.cry out to God - ask for help. (v 6a)
iii.remember and believe that God answers prayers. (v 6-7)
iv.thank God for all he has done. (v 8-9)
Now in these difficult times, prayer and the reminder of what God has done for us (especially in Jesus) has never been more important.
Questions for thought or discussion.
What in your view are the are purposes for prayer? Where do you place most of the emphasis in your prayer? (Eg Asking for stuff, thanksgiving, listening, etc.) What motivates you to pray? What do you think about the idea that prayer is proclamation?