Weeks ago my young adult children started asking what I wanted for Christmas. Of course they wanted ideas of things that are tangible, things their money can buy, whereas the older I get, the less I need or want material objects. I know not everyone is like this - those whose love language is gifts, for example - but as we age, many of us feel the urge to purge and get rid of stuff, rather than accumulate more. The majority of us can buy our own clothing, jewelry, scented items, small appliances, entertainment, etc., and would rather do so than receive something that isn't quite to our style or tastes.The fact is, the things I really want (for Christmas or sooner!) aren't things at all.
I was reminded recently of a question Jesus asked in Mark 10. When Bartimaeus cried out for the Son of David to have mercy on him, Jesus said, "What do you want me to do for you?" (v 51). The blind man replied, "Rabbi, I want to see."
I think God asks us the same question when He tells us to "present [our] requests to [Him] (Philippians 4:6b), so lately I've been phrasing my prayers a little differently, albeit with thanksgiving as Philippians 4:6 also instructs.
This is what I want:
I want God to turn the hearts of unsaved family members and friends toward Himself. I want Him to keep pursuing them like the good shepherd He is, rescuing every lost sheep.
I want the Holy Spirit to open eyes, ears, hearts and minds, that unbelievers (especially "mine") might know and receive the Truth about who God is and what God has done for them. I want the Holy Spirit to convict and bring people to repentance that they might experience the fullness of His love, grace, mercy and peace.
I want God to heal people of their hurts, to redeem and restore them, to redeem lost years, to do something new in them. I want Him to protect them from the schemes and plans of the evil one and help them to put on the full armour of God that they might be able to stand against the devil and his darts.
I want Him to heal people physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually so they are free to trust Him completely and live abundant lives, free from fear, anxiety, depression and discouragement. I want Him to give them a hunger and thirst for His Word so they might be nourished, remain in the vine and bear the best, sweetest, juiciest fruit.
I want God's will to be done, in my life and in the lives of those I love, that He might be glorified in us and through us, and that His kingdom might be built on earth as it is in heaven.1 John 5:14 says, " This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." I believe that my "wants" are within the scope of God's will and so I know He hears me and the answer is already on the way (v. 15). Praise God!
Jesus healed the blind Bartimaeus and gave him the gift of sight. God has read my Christmas list. It lifts from my heart to His like balloons in the sky. All I want for Christmas may be a lot, but nothing is impossible for Him!
Susan Barclay maintains a website at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com. She is also the new writing groups coordinator for Inscribe.
Thank you, Susan, for this beautiful wish list. Tears came to my eyes as I prayed along with you for many of those requests.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your emotional response, Sandi, and for praying along with me. Where two or three are gathered, He is present.
DeleteI totally concur! I don't need any more stuff but your list is wonderful
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracy!
DeleteAmen! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenda, and amen indeed!
DeleteThe same here. Susan, your prayers are always uplifting and insightful. You are the best prayer warrior a friend could have. I agree with all your prayers and I know God is faithful to hear us and respond. He promised that if we asked Him for a fish he wouldn't give us a serpent. If we ask for bread, He won't give us rocks. He has heard your prayers and will give you the desires of your heart.
ReplyDeleteHe is the giver of all good gifts. My trust is completely in Him. Thank you for your encouragement, friend.
DeleteSuch a beautiful prayer, Susan. When I read your blog, I thought, This is a prayer that will rise as sweet incense to heaven. For this, I found the reference: "A Psalm of David. I call upon You, O LORD; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to You. May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." (Psalm 141:1-2)
ReplyDeleteI want to pray your prayer as well, Susan. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this scripture, Sharon, and for joining in my prayer. Lord, we lift Your name on high and love to sing Your praises. We lift our prayers and hearts to You.
DeleteOur Father in heaven please hear the prayer of your daughter Susan. Answer as you see fit and help her be content knowing your hear her prayers. Bless her family even if they don't acknowledge You at this time. May Your will be done in Susan's life. Keep her safe and well so she may continue to serve you in Jesus' name. Amen
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayer, Alan. Much appreciated!
DeleteAmen. Nothing is impossible for Him.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Every chain is breakable.
DeleteI am also at the stage of life where I do not feel the need to accumulate any more material things, but I recognize that family and friends may wish to express their love in this manner. I've always found it more gratifying to give than to receive, and I don't want to deny others this same pleasure. Thank you for sharing your divine wish list with us, Susan. We could all benefit much more from such spiritual gifts. May God hear and answer your prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nina. That's a good point; we all need to be gracious receivers.
DeleteThank-you for this beautiful prayer!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Jocelyn! :)
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