Church, the Lord has given us a Spirit of certainty. We must avoid the fad of “hyper ragamuffinism”, this tendency that stresses lamentation above rejoicing (unsatisfied even in rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep), the overuse of self-examination and critique more than exaltation of the Lord, the dread of committing the error of proof-texting more than drawing inspiration from every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. We are not mere “beggars showing other beggars how to find bread”. Rather, we are recipients of the great Gift, showing others how to humbly receive.
A military veteran’s prayer:
Permission to honor You this moment, oh Father!
We hear You say “Granted!”—once for all, over and over. By such breathtaking permission granted, we freely praise You, we honor You, and adore your Holy Name.
Permission to leave this short burst of prayer, gracious Lord!
You know how we must be diligent and focus on our day-to day tasks. As we work, help us at least guard in our hearts the expression of joy that You have chosen to give us, and many others, in order to “take dominion”. We don’t always know how dominion is best accomplished, but we are confident that You are the foundation for these trusting works, the One who makes our paths straight. We bless You, O Lord!
A military veteran’s prayer:
Permission to honor You this moment, oh Father!
We hear You say “Granted!”—once for all, over and over. By such breathtaking permission granted, we freely praise You, we honor You, and adore your Holy Name.
Permission to leave this short burst of prayer, gracious Lord!
You know how we must be diligent and focus on our day-to day tasks. As we work, help us at least guard in our hearts the expression of joy that You have chosen to give us, and many others, in order to “take dominion”. We don’t always know how dominion is best accomplished, but we are confident that You are the foundation for these trusting works, the One who makes our paths straight. We bless You, O Lord!
