Dear Faith Family,
The source of Jesus' spontaneous, exuberant exchange with the Father, found in Luke 10:21-22, was not assured authority and power (10:17-19), but rather persevering and affection loyalty (10:20). The same is true for you and me. The source of joy overflowing is not in what we can control, master, or exercise authority over. Instead, it is in the ever-loyal love of the One to whom we belong.
As we discovered on Sunday, Jesus' prayer sounds a lot like the prayer of Psalm 131. A prayer spilling over with joyous contentment as the psalmist encounters rest in the freeing, every-loyal, mother-like love of God. A prayer that can help you and me speak like Jesus too.
So today my friends, take a few moments to let yourself sink into the fount from which life and words for life overflow. I've provided a little guide below to help you do so.
A LITTLE GUIDE
The Message translates the first part of Psalm 131 this way:
God, I’m not trying to rule the roost,
I don’t want to be king of the mountain.
I haven’t meddled where I have no business
or fantasized grandiose plans.I’ve kept my feet on the ground,
I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.
Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, let go of the weight of ambition, the anxiousness of control, and the arrogance of busyness. Confess to God that you are not him, that the source of your joy is not what you have authority and power over, and allow your feet to be grounded in His presence and your heart to be quiet in Him. Focus your attention on Him and be with Him.
The psalm concludes with these words:
Like a weaned child content in its mother’s arms,
my soul is a child content.
Wait, Israel, those who wrestle with God and live.
Wait for God.
Wait with hope.
Hope now; hope always!
Now set a timer for 3 minutes.
Then, take a deep breath, and as you breathe in, pray: “Like a child…" and as you breathe out: “… I am content in You…”
As thoughts come, anxieties rise, and distractions pull you away from being still in the presence of God, return your mind’s attention and your heart’s affection to who and whose you are through the breathed prayer.
When the timer ends, respond. Whatever thoughts remain, whatever emotions discovered, whatever is relieved or given; "spontaneously" pray what has been revealed by the Son to the Father in the Spirit.
Then, go, and live like an empowered and forever loved child of God.