So What?

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 37

Scripture Focus: King Zedekiah sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “Please pray for us to the Lord our God.” (Jeremiah 37.3)

Devotional Thought: "Can I pray for you?"  We had just finished loading the last of my neighbor's things into his car for his move across town.  I wasn't sure what response I would get.  I was pleased when he agreed.  I'm not sure his realtor quite knew what to do with the question, but we all bowed our heads in the front yard, and I lifted a prayer of protection and blessing for my friend.

I once read a study that claimed that over 90% of Americans believe in prayer and say that they pray regularly.  Their understanding of prayer may be different from my own, and they may pray to someone other than the One to whom I pray, but nevertheless, they still pray.  I'm sure that number is changing in today's antagonistic environment, but certainly there remains a significant percentage of people who believe in prayer on some level.

So what?

I think it is an open door into the hearts of people around us.

It has been said that there are no atheists in foxholes.  While that may be an overstatement, we see it illustrated in the life of King Zedekiah.  He had previously ignored the prophet, but when things looked bleak, what did he do?  He asked Jeremiah to pray for him!

I used to wear a lapel pin with a "2."  When people asked me about it, I would respond, "Jesus said, 'If two of you agree about anything you ask for in prayer it will be done for you.'  What can I pray for you about?"  I said that hundreds of times, and to my recollection I was only turned down one time.  People need hope.  People need prayer.

Prayer: Lord, grant me eyes to see and courage to act when people need prayer.  Also, help me to use those times as opportunities to bring them hope and peace and love in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.73-80

73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.

75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.

77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.

79 Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies.

80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame!