Last week I finished reading a book that really challenged my thinking. The book focused on the idea of praying big. The author urged all his readers to pray for big specific miracles. He advocated bucket lists and gave outlines on how to pray audaciously. I was intrigued, but at first, I found it very difficult to apply his prayer instructions.
I can say with confidence that I know God still preforms miracles. Our God is huge and powerful; nothing is too hard for Him. I also am confident that His will is being done. I have never been compelled to pray for outrageous outcomes, because I rest in the peace that God uses all things together for good for those of us who love Him. I don’t think I pout or get discouraged when life gets messy, because I know He is on the throne. He knows what He is doing and I don’t have to be kept in the loop. His ways are higher than my ways.
My prayers tend to be more along the lines of, “God, do what you want to do and conform me to the likeness of Christ through what you are doing”…. Or, “Lord, your way is best, so help me be obedient and rejoice in my circumstances.” I know my prayers and faith are rooted in truth. I love to study scripture and I love to learn, but I wonder if I have been shortsighted in my understanding. Is it possible that I have been too Presbyterian in my approach to prayers of petition? Do I dare ask for more this season? Does making a bucket list glorify God? Could new years resolutions show me more of God’s glory? Could 10 or 20-year goals be platforms for praising God?
“I didn’t believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of it!” 1Kings 10:7 (NLT)
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him. But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
I have celebrated the peace that comes from the beautiful truth that God is in control, but I believe that I may have been missing the chance to celebrate some of God’s other wonderful characteristics.
God listens to all my prayers and He loves me. I can pray for huge things and then watch Him be God and make it happen. I can pray for healing in our city and an end to the racial hatred that brings us National attention. I can pray for major growth in our family company and specific huge requests for my children. It isn’t greedy for me to pray that this blog or speaking opportunities multiply. I am content today, but I believe that God wants us to ask for more so that He can show us more of Himself.
God also tells us that when He created the world, He saw that it was good. There are some beautiful places in God’s creation that I would love to see. There are mountains and historic cities and tropical islands that do an amazing job of showcasing God’s astounding handiwork. Shouldn’t I make it a goal to see them? Wouldn’t it be awesome to have one more opportunity to praise the Lord for something He has done or made, and how can I know the half of it unless I see it with my own eyes?
I am not able to see or fully comprehend God’s holiness or beauty until I am redeemed and standing with Him face to face, but until that day I should search for Him and hunt down His beauty. He has said that He wants me to know the depth and breadth of His love for me. I believe I need to more actively look for it instead of passively rest in His peace. He is always active. He is always working. “ His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.” We are created in His image, and we long to be more like Him, so shouldn’t we be active and search too?
I will continue to celebrate His peace. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will rejoice in all circumstances, but I am going to learn to pray differently.
As the year winds to a close, I will readily give thanks and with my thankful heart, I am going to start asking for more.
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:17-19