Beloved Kinney,
In last week’s “Word from the Pastor,” I defined prayer as: Our word-response to God’s
initiating word that expresses our faith-filled dependence on him, as his redeemed children.
Let’s press into the part of that definition on “God’s initiating word…” For prayer even to exist, we must first hear from God. The reason why we pray—speak to God—is because he has spoken to us. He has revealed himself to us.
How has God revealed himself? Scripture gives us two ways: general and special revelation. General Revelation refers to God’s act of self-disclosure in creation. Listen to how Psalm 19:1-6 puts it…
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his
handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice
goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them
he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his
chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the
end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing
hidden from its heat."
Though general revelation tells us some things about God, we can’t know with specificity what he is like (e.g., holy, loving, gracious). We can’t know our true condition (sinful). And we can’t know how we can get saved (gospel, redemption).
For these we need Special Revelation. Here’s how Psalm 19:7-9 describes special revelation…
"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is
sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the
heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of
the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and
righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine
gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by
them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."
Notice the emphasis on what God’s word does to the human heart—it changes it! As 2 Peter 1:3-4 states, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
God has given us in his PROMISES all that we need to know how to live a life pleasing to him. We must know who God is, what he wants, how he deals with the world if we’re going to pray rightly.
Love,
Pastor Josh
In last week’s “Word from the Pastor,” I defined prayer as: Our word-response to God’s
initiating word that expresses our faith-filled dependence on him, as his redeemed children.
Let’s press into the part of that definition on “God’s initiating word…” For prayer even to exist, we must first hear from God. The reason why we pray—speak to God—is because he has spoken to us. He has revealed himself to us.
How has God revealed himself? Scripture gives us two ways: general and special revelation. General Revelation refers to God’s act of self-disclosure in creation. Listen to how Psalm 19:1-6 puts it…
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his
handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice
goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them
he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his
chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the
end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing
hidden from its heat."
Though general revelation tells us some things about God, we can’t know with specificity what he is like (e.g., holy, loving, gracious). We can’t know our true condition (sinful). And we can’t know how we can get saved (gospel, redemption).
For these we need Special Revelation. Here’s how Psalm 19:7-9 describes special revelation…
"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is
sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the
heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of
the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and
righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine
gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by
them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."
Notice the emphasis on what God’s word does to the human heart—it changes it! As 2 Peter 1:3-4 states, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
God has given us in his PROMISES all that we need to know how to live a life pleasing to him. We must know who God is, what he wants, how he deals with the world if we’re going to pray rightly.
Love,
Pastor Josh
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