A closing thought for the week as well as a foundation for the weeks ahead is centred on two scriptures—Psalm 55:16-18, 22; Psalm 65:1-5. If there was a time that we have stirred ourselves to praying, it has been accentuated as the nation (of believers) approached God for deliverance and help to have a change and a government that will answer to the yearnings of the people; yet we are astounded at what appears to be the outcome!
 
Please ponder on these two scriptures—

Psalm 55:16-18, 22 (TPT)—But as for me, I will call upon the Lord to save me, and I know he will! Every evening I will explain my need to him. Every morning I will move my soul toward him. Every waking hour I will worship only him, and he will hear and respond to my cry. Though many wish to fight and the tide of battle turns against me, by your power I will be safe and secure; peace will be my portion…So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.

Psalm 65:1-13 (TPT)—O God in Zion, to you even silence is praise! You who answers prayer,  all of humanity comes before you with their requests. Though we are overcome by our many sins, your sacrifice covers over them all. How blessed is the one you choose to live near you in your courts. The beauty of your house, your holy temple, satisfies us. You answer our prayers with amazing wonders and with awe-inspiring displays of power. You are the righteous God who helps us like a father. Everyone everywhere looks to you, for you are the confidence of all the earth, even to the farthest islands of the sea. What jaw-dropping, astounding power is yours! You are the mountain maker who sets them all in place. You muzzle the roar of the mighty seas and the rage of mobs with their noisy riots. O God, to the farthest corners of the planet people will stand in awe, startled and stunned by your signs and wonders. Sunrise brilliance and sunset beauty both take turns singing their songs of joy to you. Your visitations of glory bless the earth; the rivers of God overflow and enrich it. You paint the wheat fields golden as you provide rich harvests. Every field is watered with the abundance of rain—showers soaking the earth and softening its clods, causing seeds to sprout throughout the land. You crown the earth with the fruits of your goodness. Wherever you go, the tracks of your chariot wheels drip with oil. Luxuriant green pastures boast of your bounty as you make every hillside blossom with joy. The grazing meadows are covered with flocks, and the fertile valleys are clothed with grain, each one dancing and shouting for joy, creation’s celebration! They’re all singing their songs of praise to you!

What do these scriptures teach? What do you see or understand:

1. first about our heavenly Father,
2. about His expectation of each of us as to the manner of approaching Him
3. of the extent of His power and control and
4. of the extent to which you can trust Him.

Is He accountable to any man that He should change His mind as we often wish Him do? Can a man get all the benefits of God’s kingdom on his own terms? These two questions you must remember to bear in mind as we go through the series on reflections on prayer—an examination of our prayer attitudes over the next few days. Perhaps we will begin to understand how to pray to get results. It’s not about putting a formula in place, but about understanding the ways of our loving Father and aligning with Him. Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele