Friday, March 22, 2019

praying effectively: Remember God's Benefits (Ps.103)

(Psalm 103:1-22)
 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; 
Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
The Lord performs righteous deeds and judgments for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer.
17 But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children,
18 To those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them.
19 The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word!
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will.
22 Bless the Lordall you works of His, in all places of His dominion; bless the Lord, O my soul!
Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we fear the Lord (103:13, 17)
- that we remember God's laws and obey them (103:18)
- that we remember the benefits that the Lord gives us (103:2)
- that we bless the Lord (103:1-2)
- that wherever we go, we should bless the Lord (103:22)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I am always blown away by what You have all done for me, and for everything You have provided!  You are faithful and just!  And You are beyond generous!  I also have to thank You for Your discipline, and for the tests You allow me to go through.  Although they are not fun, I can see how - as I trust in You and trust in Your words and obey them - You work in my life and provide so many benefits, which gives me a stronger faith and a stronger testimony to share with others.  Thank You so much for Your care and lovingkindness.  Thank You especially for saving me.  Amen.

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