April 18: “Prayer’s Fuel”

5 Minute Read + Scripture readings

Today’s Bible Reading:

Leviticus 22
Psalms 28-29
Ecclesiastes 5
2 Timothy 1

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

“LORD, I call to you; my rock, do not be deaf to me. If you remain silent to me, I will be like those going down to the Pit. Listen to the sound of my pleading when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your holy sanctuary.”
Psalm 28:1-2 (CSB)

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

It sickens me when I see and hear some of the “preaching” that floods the media.

Some of the preaching is all about positivity. Struggles are never God’s desire for you … or so we’re told. We just have to think positive thoughts and claim the victory that is found in Christ. Then, we can live above our troubles. At least that is the kind of “preaching” that gets big book deals.

However, if we look at God’s Word, we will hear His own Son saying something that is rooted in reality.

John 16:33 (CSB): “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (emphasis mine)

Jesus said that we would have suffering in this world. It will get hard sometimes.

I’m sure that you’ve experienced this truth in your life. I certainly have in my own.

That’s one of the reasons why I love the book of Psalms. It is written by men who recognized that this world was not their home. They had struggles and they were real with God about those struggles. Those struggles were the fuel on their words that enabled them to escape lukewarm prayers and, instead, have prayers that were on fire and ascended all the way to Heaven’s throne.

Psalm 28:1-2 (CSB): “LORD, I call to you; my rock, do not be deaf to me. If you remain silent to me, I will be like those going down to the Pit. Listen to the sound of my pleading when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your holy sanctuary.”

Is life tough for you? Then let your struggles fuel your prayers. Let them take an apathetic prayer and set it on fire so that God takes note. The Lord isn’t moved by apathetic, boring prayers. Instead, prayers that are felt in the depths of the heart get His attention.

* * * * * * * * * *

Lord Jesus, ordinarily I look at struggles as nothing but negative. I oftentimes can’t imagine that anything good can come of them. But, help me to see them as the fuel that can enliven my prayers and make my words to you more heart-felt and passionate. I want to pray the sort of prayers that move Heaven. Help me to be more like the Psalmist. Amen.