Prayer, and the Power of YHWH | Abraham's Faith, and the Busy Sloth

The evening reading yesterday was:

• Psalm 80
• Psalm 77
• Psalm 79
• 1 Samuel 1.1-20
• Acts 1.1-14
• Luke 20.9-19

This morning we continued in Galatians, 3.7-10. 

Last night's Psalms combined with the introduction of Hannah in the book of Samuel made for a powerful reminder that YHWH hears the prayers of his people, and he is powerful enough to answer.  The theme of Psalm 80 was a cry for restoration to YHWH, Psalm 79 was similar.  My own life is strikingly apathetic when compared with this sort of spiritual groaning.  With regard to the Hannah story, I don't have kids yet, but I imagine my desire for children will keep getting strong.  However, I can easily see myself, should some childlessness take root in our lives, just immersing myself in something else, turning to something other than YHWH for fulfillment.  I don't know that I intentionally distract myself, but I find myself praying for things, and many times my prayers are answered(!), but when they're not, I just kind of...quit.  It's quite obvious that I generally pray when I a) feel guilty, or b) want something.  I've yet to develop a conversational voice with Jesus.  I hope that as the daily reading of Psalms (and other Scriptures) continues, that I will begin to find that voice.

This morning I read this article, and once again, Eugene Peterson just punches me in the throat.  I tend to keep pretty busy doing church ministry, meeting with people, etc. I'm glad to be doing this daily experiment, and convicted that study, prayer, and stillness are not more regular parts of my life.  I'm pretty much a hardworking sloth.

But the final piece for today is this: Luther had some great things to say about Abraham's faith in connection with Galatians 3.  He refused to let us think about Abraham's 'work' with regard to his salvation.  Jesus has done everything for me and counts me as his child.  I have to imagine the daily experiment makes him glad for the most part, but I can't imagine that me beating myself up (too much) for missing a day, or not having a more emotive response to the Word or something makes him happy as well.  A good reminder to not let the daily become about religion, but to let it be a ritual that leaves the door propped open allowing me to catch glimpses of my Savior more and more.