ACKNOWLEDGING GOD

Tom Barnard

 

“May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart

be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

(Psalm 19:14 NLT)

 

I know of no better way to begin each day, to start each new task, to open each meeting, to introduce each sermon, and to approach God in prayer than to voice this prayer of David. When I say these words, I humbly acknowledge the sovereignty of God in my life. I affirm Him as Lord, Rock, and Redeemer. I announce my total dependence upon Him. I confess that if I were to follow my natural instincts, I would lose my way, but if I seek His Holy Spirit to guide me, my path will be clear. When I say this prayer, I admit that I am unable to accomplish anything truly significant without God’s presence and grace and blessing. I bow at the feet of Jesus—the very Throne of God. I lift my heart heavenward. I look up into the face of a Heavenly Father and seek His guidance in everything I say and think and do. I want my life to be a sanctuary of praise. My greatest need is to sense that He is pleased with my efforts. That is why I begin today…and every day…with His name on my lips.

 

Although a new year has begun, it is not too late to embrace David’s prayer as your prayer. You can catch up on God’s plan for you. I pledge to give earnest effort to begin everything I do and say this year with a petition acknowledging God in my life. I believe Jesus would be pleased to hear these words from you as well. Let’s covenant to follow this pattern of prayer throughout the new year.

 

Instead of offering my personal prayer for you to read at the end of the day today, let me quote another Thomas—the one more commonly known as Aquinas.

 

“Give us, O Lord, steadfast hearts, which no unworthy thought can drag downwards;

unconquered hearts, which no tribulation can wear out; upright hearts, which no

unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God,

understanding to know Thee, diligence to seek Thee, wisdom to find Thee,

and a faithfulness that may finally embrace Thee. Amen.”