The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. Psalm 27:4
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started back home to Nazareth but unbeknownst to Mary and Joseph Jesus stayed behind. His parents didn’t miss him at first, they may have assumed that Jesus may have been with some other part of the caravan but when Jesus didn’t show up, they started to frantically search for him and when they couldn’t find him, they headed back to Jerusalem.
Can you imagine the panic they must have felt? I remember when my daughter was little, I took my eyes off of her for just a second in the grocery store just to grab something off the shelf, and when I turned around, she was nowhere in sight. Heart pounding with panic, fear spiraling, and my mind contemplating the worse, I frantically searched for her. I ran from aisle to aisle calling her name over and over with no answer. Not even a peep. I finally spotted her standing in the middle of the aisle sobbing uncontrollably. I was overjoyed, relieved and to be honest a little agitated as I reminded her to stay close and never to wander away from me ever again.
What probably was about a maximum of two minutes seemed like hours so I couldn’t imagine Mary and Joseph after three whole days finally finding Jesus in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers engaging, absorbing, and inquiring. His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” Jesus’ response, “But why did you need to search?” “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ (Luke 2:48-49) As a twelve-year-old boy, He was drawn to His Father’s house to learn, inquire, and commune. This would be His way of life throughout His earthly ministry; close fellowship, unbroken communion, beseeching in the presence of his Father.
Prayer was a vehicle used by Jesus to commune with the Father. Not confined to the Temple made by mens' hands He had full access to His Father at all times anywhere. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. (Luke 5:15-16) He spent late nights and early mornings praying. Jesus prayed for His disciples. He prayed at His baptism. He prayed on the Cross. He prayed for believers. He prayed for future believers. He has risen and is seated at the right hand of Power praying!!
The disciples took notice of Jesus' life of prayer and Jesus honored the request of one of His disciples. The unnamed disciple asked Him, “Lord teach us to pray?” (Luke 11:1) He didn’t ask Jesus to teach them to turn water into wine. Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Calm the sea or cast out demons. Perhaps he and the other disciples saw a connection between Jesus’ power and Jesus praying. Of all things they could have asked for, the disciples desired to learn the most needful thing, how to pray.
How much more should we pray!! Oh, we have much to contend with in fervent intercession!
How else can we bombard heaven for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven?
How else can the captives be set free?
How else can lost souls be found?
How else can the lukewarm become hot?
How else can the prodigals return home?
How else can strongholds be demolished?
How else will the sick be restored to health?
How else will we see through the murk of delusion?
How else will we be able to effectively navigate through these very difficult times?
How else will we be empowered to withstand the things to come?
How else will Jesus find faith on the earth?
How else can we minister love to others if we’ve not been in fellowship with God who is love? (1 John 4:7-8)
How else will we come to know, be in union with, and catch the heart of Abba Father?
Prayer is not just for the asking, but for the seeking, the knocking so that the door will be open for the abiding. If we catch David’s heart in Psalm 27 we see that he longed and sought most to live in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. Is this our heart’s greatest longing? To have sweet deep abiding unbroken communion with our beautiful Savior? Gazing upon His holiness and glory. Meditating in His temple. Sitting at His feet. Engaging. Absorbing. Learning. Worshipping. Praying.
Listen…
But when you pray go into your room and when you have shut your door pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6)
God is a rewarder to those who diligently seek Him. He rewards us with the highest reward; Himself. In His presence, we receive spiritual inner rest regardless of the outward circumstance. We are hidden under His shadow. He sets us on high because we are known by His name. When we call on Him, He answer us. He will be with us in trouble and hide us in His sanctuary. He will place us out of reach on a high rock.
The fruit of the Spirit takes root and flourishes. The cares of this life lose significance and grow dim as we surrender all to Him as He woos us to come and talk with Him. It's the quiet, hidden place in the heart where we can let go, be broken, and honest before Him. Be filled with Living Water bubbling over within us. Unspeakable joy, peace, and fortitude.
Prayers sculpted and infused by the Holy Spirit in our spirit and understanding. Building ourselves up on our most holy faith. The fruit of our lips giving praise, thanksgiving, and honor to the Lord our God. Our hearts overcome by His love, grace, and glory. Our joy is full and we are strengthened and set free! Not by might, nor by power but by His Spirit. We delight in His perfections and meditate in His holy presence. It is here that we get greater revelation and adoration of Who Jesus Is. Staying close to Him. Not wandering away, that at His coming we may be found in Him. Amen.
If you were blessed by this post subscribe or share to encourage others!
Comments