Rhythms of GraceSample

This week we finished out with learning about lament and praise. A prayer of lament is coming before the Lord and expressing sorrow, grief, and even anger. God cares about how we feel and what may have hurt us or frustrated us. While praying about these things is important, it is also important to remember that in the midst of these prayers to be reminded of the hope and healing that God brings. These are not pity party prayers or prayers talking poorly about people to God. These are prayers that surrender how you feel at the feet of Jesus, allowing God to provide hope and healing, and trusting that He cares and that He will provide a way through whatever is going on. Job and David both had very serious prayers of lament, questioning what God was doing and even talking about wishing they were not even alive. God heard them and answered them by giving them hope and strength to continue. God can and will do the same for you, trust Him with your sorrow.

Prayers of praise are probably most commonly seen through worship songs that sing about who God is and all the great things He has done. While singing is a form of praise and worship, it is also essential to praise God within our prayer life. Praise gives us a perspective on how big God is and a reminder of all that He has done for us. When we praise God, we have our eyes set on Heaven.

When the Israelites were rescued from Egypt and the Red Sea was split, Moses had the response of praise immediately after because of all that God had done! Paul writes about how there is none like God in Romans 11 and that alone is enough reason to praise. The last chapter in Psalms sets an example and guideline on how we should praise God-there is no limit on how and when we can praise God. Praise can be loud or quiet. In church and outside of church. As long as you have breath, praise the Lord!

Prayer:

Dear God, this week I have learned about the importance of prayer and the many ways that there are to pray. Thank you for providing me with an example of how to pray through Jesus. You are so good to me. God, there are people in my life who need you and who need to know you. Help them to see you and to feel your presence within their lives. Within my own life, I have gone through seasons where I am filled with sorrow and grief. God, give me hope when going through those seasons. I know that you have sent your Son to give hope and to offer the way to you; How great Your love is! There is no one else like you and no one beside you; you are holy and worthy of all praise. Thank you for all that you are doing in my life. I love you.

In Jesus name,

Amen