High on God’s list
As I was praying about something, the thought popped into my head that my request probably wasn’t very high on God’s list of prayers to answer. There are many needs more urgent and dire than mine. And then I wondered where that thought came from. I know God loves me and cares about even the smallest requests, but sometimes I feel like I’m bothering him with my perhaps smaller needs. I even bug him about things like trying to get back to sleep in the middle of the night
Having those thoughts reminded me of Philippians 4:6 in the New Living Translation: ‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.’
I also thought of Matthew 10:31, when Jesus talked to his disciples about what they would be doing when he sent them out: “So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
And Matthew 6:28-30: “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”
These verses reminded me of what I already knew, but seem to have forgotten, during my late night prayer – I am high on God’s list. My prayers matter to him. He cares about me more than the little birds and takes care of me better than the flowers that spring up and die just as quickly. You are high on his list too. He wants us to bring all of our cares and concerns to him, no matter how small. We don’t ever have to feel we, or our prayers, are too far down God’s list for him to listen or answer.
Study by Tammy Tkatch
First published on 15th February 2022 at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the assistant pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA congregation, and is the wife of former Grace Communion International President, Joseph Tkach. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
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