It is not the arithmetic of our prayers — how many they be;
Bonnie McKernan, in a guest post at Desiring God
nor the rhetoric of our prayers — how eloquent they be;
nor their geometry — how long they be;
nor their music — how sweet their voice may be;
nor their logic — how argumentative they be;
nor yet their method — how orderly they be;
nor even their divinity — how good their doctrine may be, which God cares for:
but it is the fervency of spirit which availeth much.
(Bishop Joseph Hall, 1808)
I’m using this word in the sense to petition again.
I’ve been so completely moved by the plight of our neighbors to the south. The conditions across the globe and in the U.S. that “other” peoples of all races, genders, and socio-economic groups. The reports get worse every day. I can only do so much.
I can pray. Specifically. That God will show us that He’s truly got the whole world in His Hands! Because if His word is true for me, it’s true for every human being on the planet.
He knows the number of hairs on the head of each immigrant coming to this country. (Luke 12:7)
His eye is on the sparrow, and every child who goes to sleep hungry or abused or unloved. (Psalm 23)
He cares about clothing me just like he cares about clothing lilies in the field and street children in India and immigrants with no soap or toothbrushes. (Luke 12:27)
He has a purpose and plan for me, and every person in the Congo, The Netherlands, and Tasmania. (Jer. 29:11)
He calls every one by name. Knows where they are at this moment. (John 10:4)
For God so LOVED the whole, wide, wonderful world — He gave his only son. (John 3:16)
God always uses people to help people. While I will petition my Father to help us, I know one thing that will definitely happen: If peace and love and kindness are to be shown, I have to get up and GO!
I have to do what I can do: Whether that’s get ready to help. Whether that’s prepared to dig into my pocketbook. Whether that’s sending care packages. Whether that’s praying every single day at a specific time that God’s spirit will move on the hearts and minds of our government to be kinder, gentler. Whether that’s writing a blog post. Whether it’s doing anything I can do … it has to begin with me.
I’ll be re-petitioning the Lord to move. ❤
TotallyKris 