Can I just say that I wish I could write “Notes From My Quiet Time” more frequently for you here. It’s been several weeks since the last time I’ve had the chance to write down some thoughts like this but please know that my “Read the Bible in a Year” adventure is still going strong and the golden nuggets that God’s Spirit is sharing with me are abundant.
As I’ve admitted before, staying caught up on my reading has been challenging to say the least. Not only is the pace fast and furious but it grates against my usual habit of digesting very small portions of Scripture at a time . . . for an extended period of time. So, this discipline has been interesting . . but WELL WORTH IT.
And yet, I must admit that I am looking forward to finishing in December and then using 2012 to go back through the notes that I’ve taken of the hi-lites the Spirit has directed my attention to – the verses I wrote down this year, the thoughts they inspired and conviction they’ve stirred. Then I’ll have a chance to really do “business” with them – sit with them, soak on them and let them do a deeper work.
I’m looking so forward to that!
One of those passeges will no doubt be from Romans 15. It was a small portion of my reading yesterday and this little thought is one I want to share with you today.
Paul writes:
Now, I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.
Paul doesn’t split hairs in what He needs and wants from the recipients of the letter. He says, “Listen, I’m praying for MYSELF and I need you to join in with me in doing that!”
It’s almost funny.
Paul, who’s on your prayer list these days?
Paul: Oh . . . ummmm . . well . . . ME.
Seriously?
Paul: I ain’t joking one bit. I need all the help I can get so I’m praying for my own self just in case no one else does and, as a matter of fact, why don’t you get busy praying for me too, ok?
You gotta love it. A bold, unashamed request.
I’m challened by this. Sometimes, in our quest to make sure we aren’t practicing “selfish Christianity” we’ve gone out of our way to make sure we pray for others, intercede on their behalf and bring their needs to the Father – and well we should. We cover our husband, fast for our children, lift up our friends and then fall into bed exhausted.
But what about us?
What about you?
Have you gotten lost on your own prayer list?
I was thinking about this in light of our resolution this week – a resolution that includes esteeming others more highly than we esteem ourselves. It’s a worth and Biblical sentiment and yet it must always be balanced with a solid sense of our own worth in Gods kingdom.
Today, my friend, I am giving you permission to pray for yourself. You heard me right. Take time out to pray for YOU and then ask a group of godly friends, like Paul did, to “strive together with you” in prayer.
And if you can’t seem to find any friends to jump on the band wagon, just know that you have one over here who has got you covered. I’m lifting you up . . . even now.
Bless you friend.
Priscilla
PS . . . book club members – How’s Resolution #6 treating you?
