“He who dwells (yâshab: sit down and remain) in the secret place (sēṯer: hiding place. Jesus said, “pray to your Father who is in the secret place”) of the Most High Shall ABIDE (lûn: to stop over and remain) under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalms 91:1) So, do people really pray today? U.S. News and the Internet site Beliefnet funded a poll to learn more about why, how, where and when people pray. 64% say they pray more than once a day.
What David is telling us in Psalms 91 is that praying or communicating (exchanging information) with God, is an ABSOLUTE NECESSITY for us as Christians. I started to write “talking with God” but the Lord reminded me, “Call to Me, and I WILL ANSWER YOU, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3) Job said, “For God speaks again and again…He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.” (Job 33:14-15)
When the Lord saved Paul, PAUL PRAYED, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then THE LORD SAID, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” SO, THE LORD SAID TO HIM, “Arise and go to the STREET CALLED STRAIGHT, and inquire at the HOUSE OF JUDAS for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision, he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” (Acts 9:6-12)
- GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH SCRIPTURE: “All Scripture is GOD-BREATHED (theopneustos: God’s breath) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- GOD SPEAKS THROUGH GIFTED TEACHERS WHOSE SOURCE IS THE BIBLE: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8).
- GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH DIFFICULTIES: “Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.” (Psalm 119:67-68).
- GOD SPEAKS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26).
- GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HIS CREATION: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2).
Just remember what Jesus taught us, “…when you pray” (Matthew 6:5) “…when you pray” (Matthew 6:6) “…when you pray” (Matthew 6:7)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham