March 28, Specific Prayer

Today’s reading: Psalms 136-140

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” - Psalm 139:23-24

The Bible is full of inspired prayers that you can employ for yourself and for others. Today’s verses represent a somewhat dangerous prayer, for the psalmist was asking God to take a set of spiritual x-rays on his inner being to see if everything was as God would require it. Specifically, the psalmist was looking for anxiety and offensive ways that would prevent him from walking in eternal life, right here and right now. When you get specific with God, He gets specific with you and this prayer is specific. It reminds me of the rich young ruler who asked Jesus how he could obtain eternal life: “When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me’” (Luke 18:22). The young man was saddened by the answer. Is there anything you are afraid or need to ask the Lord? When you ask, be prepared to receive the answer. My goal today is to hear Your voice. Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening, ready to do what You command and direct.