Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[Devote yourselves to prayer,] being watchful and thankful.
Summary: With two simple words Paul ties the topic of prayer to two of the most powerful scenes in the life of Jesus.
When we devote ourselves to prayer, as Paul says, to “pray without ceasing,”* he tells us to be “watchful and thankful.”
The Greek word for “watchful” is “grēgoreúō,” meaning the same as the English word. Paul wants us to keep awake and be vigilant.
Continue reading “Colossians 4:2b – A Praying Attitude”
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
— Psalm 5: 2-3
David, the psalm writer, knows about needing help. Invited into King Saul’s service as a boy, it isn’t long before the king becomes jealous of David. God and David already have a close relationship. David has a simple, child-like faith. God looks on that faith and honors it by blessing what David does. David the child defending the army of Israel with a sling was an example of that relationship.
Because David relies on God, God blesses David. Because God blesses David, the people of Israel honor David. Because Saul has lost God’s blessing (see 1 Samuel 13) Saul is jealous of David. Jealously leads to strife and strife leads to Saul trying repeatedly to kill David. During all this time David remains faithful to Saul and respects God’s anointing.
Continue reading “Psalm Sunday – A Prayer Medley”