This quote struck a chord today.
"We have become so self-centered that we go to God only for something from Him, and not for God himself." -Oswald Chambers
What a hard and incriminating observation about humans in general. How often, does that same attitude about prayer and worship show up in my own prayer time and worship?
I am reminded when He was asked, "How should we pray?", the sample Jesus gave included praise for God and his Holiness. It included recognition of God's sovereignty and power over all things in heaven and on earth.
"Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one." -Matthew 6: 9-13
Yes, we are to ask for what we need, like our daily food. We are to ask for our sins to be forgiven, too. Not when we are fearful of punishment, but in daily communication... submitting our frustrations and imperfections to Him... to be covered by His love and grace.
Our portion of forgiveness is granted in proportion to or choice to forgive those who have transgressed against us. How can we expect forgiveness when we cannot offer it? He took the nails for all. Not just for me. Not just for you. Not just for the people we like and deem worthy.
When the curtain ripped in the temple on Holy Friday, at the moment of His crucifixion... everything changed. Our debt was paid in full. His grace would be extended to all who confessed, accepted and followed Him. Easter Sunday, the victory was won and the new covenant in place.
One week past Easter... let us re-center on The One who made the way for us. As the GPS would say, "Recalculating." Or perhaps... re-centering is another good word choice.
Today, I am grateful for re-centering.
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