your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. [psalm 119:129]
is the word of the Lord – wonderful to you?
great question posed by pastor Kraig in last night’s sermon. in case you missed it, go to our matthias lot youtube channel and you can view the sermon.”what has dominion over you?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfhNUFFj07o
how would you answer that question – is the word wonderful to you??
today, the word can stir more wonder in your heart with two practical prayers.
the first is a prayer of petition asking God to stir wonder for his word in your heart:
“open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” [ps 119:18]
the second is a prayer of submission to God from the mouth of Jesus in the garden:
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” [luke 22:42]
the first prayer asks God to make his word come alive with wonder in your heart and mind. in this prayer, you are asking the only one who actually do this work in you. you cannot stir wonder for God’s word in and of yourself. only God’s Spirit working in you can do this – so ask him! he wants us to ask!
the second prayer is a prayer of submission to our Lord. you cannot and will not find wonder in the word if the Lord does not have dominion over your heart. full submission to the Lord is required and how our heart finds its most joy. and, this is not about one prayer of submission. this is a daily – hourly prayer. even Jesus lived this way with his Father.
i often write out prayers here, but i’m going to urge you to write them out today. in your own words, submit your heart and will to the Lord. ask him to remind you all day to walk according to his will by his Spirit. then, ask the Lord to stir your heart to wonder for his word. write them out, then speak them out! and, watch as the Lord stirs a renewed wonder for his word in your heart!
~ john ryan