Every Prayer Matters
After some work related business today, I had another workout with my fitness trainer. I learned a couple of things. I can still get quickly fatigued; and I still have a ways to go before I can stand from a sitting position without leverage from my arms.
This afternoon Debbie and I went to the movie, “The War Room.” This was another powerful movie from the Kendrick Brothers (producers of “Facing the Giants). The movie was about prayer and I believe will spark a greater commitment to prayer for all who see it. It was interesting to see the number of other “faith films” that will be coming out this fall.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When I was in trouble, I called to the Lord, and he answered me.” Psalm 120:1 NCV
David’s opening verse of this first “Psalm of Ascent” speaks to the Lord’s response to his cry in trouble. This is the first Psalm in a series of Psalms that are associated with the journey made by the Israelites to Jerusalem for the three major feasts on the Jewish calendar.
David knew what it was to face trouble. He experienced it before becoming King, when he was hunted by Saul. During the securing of his kingdom, he faced war. He faced war with the Philistines, and other surrounding nations. He faced the uprising of Absalom, his own son, in a take over of the kingdom. He had troubles from without and within his kingdom. But David, even when the trouble was of his own doing, found the Lord faithful to hear when he called on Him.
That simple statement is important for us today. When we are in trouble and we call on the Lord, we will find that He answers. A few nights ago, for some reason, the theme came to my mind, “every prayer matters.” At times we may questions where prayer does matter. Does God hear me? David through all of his experiences found that prayer does matter, every one and that the Lord does hear us when we pray.
This Psalm ends with the verses, “I have lived too long with people who hate peace. When I talk peace, they want war.” (Psa. 120:6,7) At times, we are motivated to turn to the Lord when our present circumstances become unbearable and we simply grow tired of the “way things are.”
As we consider this series of Psalms that have to do with “going up to Jerusalem” it is as if, David is saying, “I’m leaving all this behind and going to where the City of the Lord – to where He is.” We realize that God’s presence is not confined by geography, but imagery is important to consider.
There are times when I need to move away from my circumstances and troubles and “go where the Lord is.” To call on Him in prayer and to find that He is there and that He hears and answers. When we do we say with confidence, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)