Monthly Archives: January 2010

So what’s the point of prayer?

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You probably know people who have said, essentially, “I know I ought to pray, because the Bible says I should, but if God is going to do His will anyway, why is it important?”

Yes, prayer is about seeing God’s will done. But really, it’s about so much more.

Adoration. The secret connection of the soul that constantly acknowledges the great gifts of God, flowing down constantly to me . . . and not only acknowledges them but leaps in thanksgiving at the joyful remembrance of them, expressing love for the Giver of the gifts.

And a longing to see Him glorified, as the only one worthy of all glory.

Communion. The secret connection that knows that God knows. He knows all the secret thoughts of my heart. So that I can continually whisper, “I’m sorry, Lord, but once again I claim Your power against that temptation.”

And a confidence that He is the only one that can forgive, and that His forgiveness is swift and sure.

Longing. The secret connection that, when a need is brought to mind–and aren’t the needs around us mammoth and seemingly overwhelming?–I can immediately run to Him with the need.

And an assurance that He is the true Righteous Judge, and delights to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are wholly turned to Him.

Dependence. Frail and needy, together we stand in the blood-pool of the cross.

Empowerment. Rejoicing, with hands upstretched, together we stand in the aurora of the empty tomb.

And together we cry, “I love you, Beautiful Savior. Do a mighty work among your people. Be glorified!”

Help, Lord

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As far as I can see, there are two kinds of help. One is assistance. One is deliverance.

When you call out for help with a task that needs three hands, you already have two of the hands you need, so you’re asking for assistance.

But when you call out for help because you’re in a burning building and can’t get out, you’re crying for deliverance.

Hebrews 4:16 says that because of Jesus Christ we can come to the throne of grace with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

That “help” is the deliverance kind. It comes from two Greek words put together: cry and run.

I cry. He runs. Help. The cry-run. Deliverance.

There it is again, in Hebrews 13:6. “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” He delivers me. I cry. He runs. When I truly remember that He is always faithful to run when I cry, I will not be afraid.

And so we listen and respond to the cries from Haiti, not only today, but throughout the coming days—cries for help, for deliverance. They cry. We run. But even more, God runs. God runs.

And so, because of Jesus, God listens and runs to my own cries to Him, not only today, but every day, even every moment. Am I simply asking for assistance, because I can almost do the job myself?

No, I’m asking for deliverance. Deliverance from sin. Deliverance to the power and glory of my Lord Jesus Christ, through whom I receive mercy and find grace.

I am desperately dependent on the one who will run when I cry.