One Thing
Encouragement for your prayers from Psalm 27:4
In a previous season of life, I had the privilege of writing devotionals for ministry leaders. That season has come to a close, but I did a deep dive in my archives and found a few pieces that I’ll dust off and share in this space in the coming weeks. Whether you are a ministry leader, teacher, plumber, pastor, or stay-at-home parent, I hope these timeless truths encourage you and point you to our Savior.
All my love,
Lydia 🫶🏻
If you could only ask the Lord for only one thing in prayer, what would it be?
I’m sure answers would vary from person to person. And even for one person, I’m sure it would vary from season to season. We might pray for the salvation of a loved one; physical or emotional healing; the end of a season of waiting. In ministry we might pray for more volunteers, more funding, or more fruit for our labors.
King David was in a season of great need. He cried out to God about evil men coming to devour his flesh; about an army deployed and targeting him; about a war breaking out against him (Psalm 27:2-3). Yet in this season of great danger, David’s one request for the Lord wasn’t safety or deliverance. He asked for the presence of God.
This in no way suggests that praying for healing or the salvation of a loved one or for more volunteers is somehow inferior. There are other Scriptures that encourage and even command these kinds of prayers. However, as we pray for these things, may we always return to what we know to be God’s will for us, no matter the circumstance. Even as we wait / long for healing / trust the Lord to bring more workers into His harvest field, let the deepest desire of our hearts be God’s deepest desire for us. May we desire to know Him / seek His face / gaze upon His beauty.
When that is our deepest desire and most heartfelt prayer, God’s answer is always yes. He may answer in ways we don’t understand. It may be painful. His mercy may seem severe. But we have confidence that, every single time, God will do this one thing.
So, if you could only ask the Lord for only one thing in prayer, what would it be?
Lord, help us pray for more of You.