June 29
/Psalm 67 / Read
We observe in this psalm two important attitudes of Christian prayer. The first is the freedom to ask God for favor and blessing, even with material things. Sometimes it may seem selfish for us to ask for anything beyond what we have because we already have an abundance. Honestly, when was the last time we worried about the next meal or if we’d be able to provide our kids with clothing? And, besides, we have Jesus, right? We’ve been given eternal life! How could we ask for anything else when we have that?
Our prayers reflect what we believe about God’s identity and about our own. Throughout the Scriptures, God has invited people over and over again to be his family - specifically, to be his children and let him be their Father. He wants to shine his face them just as a parent shines when they hold their newborn baby close and smile into their eyes.
Jesus would say, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)
God the Father longs to bless his children and those who are his should approach him in prayer believing as much.
The second attitude of prayer expressed in this psalm is the reason behind the requests for favor and blessing: to glorify God and make him known to all people. Christians may always approach God in prayer with the freedom to ask for anything based on their relationship with him, but their motivation can never be selfish gain.
On this point we again return to the issue of identity. Not only is a believer a chosen son or daughter, but also a commissioned representative called to bear God’s image in the world. Doing so means that any blessing received from the Lord is an opportunity to testify to his goodness through words and actions.
Consider your relationship with God as it stands right now. How do you view him? How do you think he views you? Is their anything in your beliefs that isn’t consistent with Scripture and needs to be realigned with the truth of his Word?
What needs to you have that you’ve been reluctant to ask God for? What wants do you have? Believe that you have the freedom to ask for anything and spend time praying with him, knowing that he always answers prayer and grants blessing according to what is best for you.
What goodness/favor/blessing have you received from God that is now part of your testimony to who he is to you? Are you sharing that testimony? If not, why not? What has to change in you to be honest with others about what he has done for you?