[034] A Message From A Poem – Beneath His Wings – My Prayer

[034] A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – BENEATH HIS WINGS – MY PRAYER

In this poem there is a little word interplay in each stanza. It is simple to see. The reason for this poem is to express a prayer for personal concerns. I tried to cover a number of points I thought were important.

These are matters like being strengthened; nearness; holiness; waiting; witnessing; and knowing.

Prayer is very important as God lays on our hearts those matters that are in line with His will. In both the Old Testament and New Testament, much is said about prayer, and many examples of prayers from God’s saints are also provided.

One does not have to stand and deliver a prayerful oration in the name of prayer. God is not interested in length and showmanship, but in sincerity – this demonstrates that; just a few words will suffice – {{Matthew 14:29-31 and He said, “Come!” and Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus, but seeing the wind he became afraid, and began to sink, and he cried out saying, “LORD, SAVE ME!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”}}

Prayer can be in the silence of the heart/soul. God knows the inner thoughts. See this – {{Nehemiah 2:4 Then the king said to me, “What would you request?” so I prayed to the God of heaven,”}} (That was a quick silent prayer).

Prayer is humble, not standing in a church to make a great show to impress people as to how clever you are in prayer. Consider the message behind this story – {{Luke 18:10-11 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, ‘GOD, I THANK YOU THAT I AM NOT LIKE OTHER PEOPLE: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer . . . . Luke 18:13-14 but the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast saying, ‘GOD, BE MERCIFUL TO ME, THE SINNER!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted.”}}

In chapter 12 of Romans Paul writes a list of important instructions for the church at Rome. Here is one – {{Romans 12:12 “rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, DEVOTED TO PRAYER,”}} but look at the prayer one. Paul attaches the words “devoted to.” We most certainly can heed that, for a lot of us, I dare say, are not to devoted to prayer, or it has become formal in the way we pray.

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BENEATH HIS WINGS – MY PRAYER

Saviour, strengthen me now:

Make me strong for You;

Make me strong in service;

And help me to remain true.

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My Lord, increase my love:

Increase my desire;

Increase love for those lost;

And help me, Your saints inspire.

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My dear God, keep me near:

Near to your goodness;

Near to Your warm presence;

As walking in joint closeness.

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Lord, teach me holiness:

Holy in my walk;

Holy in thought and deed;

And especially in talk.

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Give me patience to wait:

Wait for Your leading;

Wait for Your coming soon;

To know it’s You I’m needing.

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Lord, witness through my life:

Witness to ones lost;

Witness to Your keeping;

Faithful; counting not the cost.

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Wisdom is what I need:

Wisdom to live right;

Wisdom in all my life;

So that I’m “just” in Your sight.

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Help me to be holy:

Holy in my deeds;

Holy with all my words;

That nothing, Your will impedes.

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Lord, assist me to know:

Know Your call for me;

Know Your calm, inner peace;

From anxiety, set free.

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Love in a loveless world:

Love for those unsaved;

Love for family and friends;

And those who’ve salvation waived.

R E Ferguson 24 May 2024 6-5-6-7 ABCB