3/26/16 Pray For A Sign

March 26

Pray for a sign.

Father God, I thank you for the unexpected ways you show your love for each of us. Especially for those things you do just for me that wouldn't excite anybody else. For such a huge, great God, it's sometimes surprising how incredibly personal you make our relationship!

There are times when you want to prove how personally we should take this relationship and you directions for us. You, all-knowing, all-powerful, want to prove yourself to us?!?  We are so prone to doubt our understanding of you, or doubt that you might truly be doing something fantastic just for 1 little person like me. Loving us this way is what you enjoy doing, but it can be hard to accept.

I know some of your children, my brothers and sisters, really would like a sign from you about a situation they are facing. Lord, you told Ahaz in Isaiah 7:10-11 to ask for a confirming sign, even something miraculous. Holy Spirit, move in those who need proof of your answer to ask for the specific thing you want to use to confirm your love or direction for each of them.

Sometimes we feel unsure whether we've really understood what you've told us, just like the disciples wondered about everything they'd learned from Jesus while he lay in the tomb. Sometimes we can only see signs of defeat around us, and we need a sign of hope.

Teach us that perfect balance of humility and boldness that you love to see us practicing. Make us truly humble before you and humble in the way we honor others, but show us how to live with the boldness Jesus did. Jesus showed us complete confidence, was always certain that his Father always had his back since you've always been perfectly in sync.

Because we are clothed in Jesus' righteousness, we can come before you, Father, with boldness to ask for a sign. For the ones who need this now, lead them to ask for a specific sign at a specific time. Give us hope in everything that Jesus' resurrection accomplished.

We praise your Holy Name and thank you. Amen.