Scripture Reading —Isaiah 55:1-7
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Anumber of studies have tried to search out the benefits of prayer.Results often indicate that people who pray are generally happier andhealthier than people who don’t. This may help people to considerpraying more. And people who do pray know that the benefits of prayerextend far beyond their health and their sense of happiness.
Aswe have noted this month, prayer is ultimately about a relationshipwe have with God. I am reminded of a definition of prayer that Ifound in an old book some years ago: “Prayer is a cumulative lifeof friendship with God.”
Justas a friendship involves and affects two people as they interact, sodoes our relationship with God. Today’s Bible reading makes thisclear. On the one hand, we are instructed to seek God, which seems toimply that prayer happens by our initiative. But our seeking of Godis only possible because God first says, “Come, all you who arethirsty, come to the waters.” God calls, and we answer. Prayer isour enjoyment of a banquet already prepared by God. We pray notbecause we must, but because we may.
Aswe turn to the Lord, we find the One who has already turned to us inmercy and who freely pardons. This is the assurance of prayer—andalso its greatest blessing.
Because you have first sought me, I seek you, O Lord. Because you have called to me, I call to you. Thank you for the amazing relationship I can have with you, through Jesus. Amen.
About the author — Peter Hoytema
Peter Hoytema has been a pastor for nearly 30 years and has served congregations in Ontario and New Jersey. He is currently the pastor of a congregation in Strathroy, Ontario. He is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary and San Francisco Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Grace, are the parents of four adult children.
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