SEPTEMBER 12

AVENUES OF PRAYER

“Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also.” (Zach. 8:21)

“O thou that hearest prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come.” (Ps. 65:2). Various Hebrew words are translated as prayer, here it is “tephillal” meaning A SONG OF PRAISE. How often when our spirit is reaching out for God, it is channeled through a song of praise – to worship Him. This is a form of prayer.

“Lord, in trouble have they visited Thee, they poured out a prayer when Thy chastening was upon them.” (Isa. 26:10). Now the Hebrew word is “lachash,” A WHISPER. Chastening and distress have subdued the soul, only a whisper issues forth, the lips are muted, the emotions, however intense remain restrained, like Hannah, “she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard.”
(1 Sam. 1:13). A secret speech, whispered to the Lord.

“Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer.” (Ps. 64:1). “Siach,” MEDITATE. It is the same word as when “Isaac went out to meditate in the field at eventide.” (Gen. 24:63). A time alone with his own thoughts, taking a walk out into the field. He is not kneeling and voicing loud petitions, nor yet shouting and singing praises, he is simply immersed in silent reflection, pondering in his mind, balancing one thought against another, reaching for answers and a course of direction – it is a form of prayer. David expected the Lord to “hear my voice” in his meditation, for he knew that God knew his thoughts. It is a profound phase of prayer.

“He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” (Mark 1:35). The Greek word is “proseuchomai,” to pray, to wish for. It is not parading your desires before men, it is “entering into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret.” (Matt. 6:6). Telling it to our Father only, then trusting HIM to provide. Full well He knows our needs, and in love He answers our prayer.

Ray Prinzing