“Big” Word Helps Me Pray a “Big” Prayer
The photo in today’s post probably has nothing to do with the content in the post, but it brings me deep delight. Back in the early 80’s, I started a collection of the Yorktowne pattern of Pfaltzgraff stoneware. I loved those dishes—until I didn’t—and decided to change to all white. Not a particularly sentimental person, I gladly donated almost the entire set to an organization that helps recovering drug addicts build new lives and homes. One piece I kept was this teapot, which I bought at a 90 percent discount because it didn’t have a lid. I didn’t care about the lid because I thought it would make a great vase for cut flowers. I have never stopped loving it in the springtime when it holds bright yellow daffodils. This autumn, I knew it would be perfect to hold this huge hydrangea from our yard. I hope Ron’s photo makes you feel happy like it does me! I believe that even in the bleakest of times, it is important to look for beauty!
Now, for today’s post:
I am a lover of words, and at times, even one single word has the power to touch me deeply, to even alter the route I’m traveling.
I enjoy coming across a word I don’t know and need to look up its meaning, and while I understand the value of small, succinct words, I find delight in archaic or multi-syllabic ones! Because I often think about God and issues related to soul formation, I especially like some of the “big” religious words.
Recently, as I struggled to pray about significant issues in current world events--situations I find not only terribly tragic, but also, complicated, confusing, and overwhelming—three “meaty” theological words describing the character of God came to mind: “omnipotent,” “omnipresent,” and “omniscient.” My heart connected especially to the latter.
God is omniscient, which means God has infinite awareness and understanding of everything past, present, and future. When I thought of God’s omniscience recently, I recalled the bleak night I discovered Psalm 139—a psalm that showcases God’s omniscience—while reading my Living Bible. Its words kept me going me during a very dark, difficult season.
In case you may be feeling the weight of the world’s darkness or wrestling with your own personal difficulties, I pray the psalmist David’s awareness of God’s omniscience will bring a measure of comfort to you even as it continues to do for me.
Psalm 139 – Living Bible: O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. 3 You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. 4 You know what I am going to say before I even say it. 5 You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! 7 I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. 9 If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me. 11 If I try to hide in the darkness, the night becomes light around me. 12 For even darkness cannot hide from God; to you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are both alike to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it. 15 You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! 16 You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!
17-18 How precious are your thoughts to me! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!
19 Surely you will slay the wicked, Lord! Away, bloodthirsty men! Begone! 20 They blaspheme your name and stand in arrogance against you—how silly can they be? 21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I be grieved with them? 22 Yes, I hate them, for your enemies are my enemies too. (Sue’s note: I often felt perplexed about these verses, but upon closer study, it appears David wrote this psalm when he had been betrayed and was literally surrounded by wicked and godless people.)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. 24 Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (This passage was copied from biblegateway.com)
Blessings on your journey,
