Yesterday I received an URGENT prayer text about a military campaign to free the hostages from Hamas. I turned right around and sent it to several prayer groups. This morning, I heard from the sender of that message that the message was months old. We had been deceived to believe it was truly URGENT. I've repented and although I’ve sent apologies to the groups, only God knows how far that ripple has traveled. I’ve seen how easy it is to become reactive to all that is happening in our world. Jesus was responsive rather than reactive.
Ps.17:1 in the ESV reads: “Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!” Was my prayer from lips free of deceit?
I know what I have seen in myself this morning. Although apologies have been sent with the truth being spoken, my own embarrassment about it has revealed lingering pride in my heart. While others in my early morning prayer group pray, “let this conflict in Israel work Your will, O Father”, I could sense God working His will in me, teaching me to respond rather than react in my communications. During this reflection time, the Lord reminded me that my quick error could have still prompted others to pray for Israel. I wonder exactly what our prayers accomplished for Israel or for the hostages yesterday.
Ps 17:3 “You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing. I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.”
Dearest Father, El-Roi, You who sees hearts, help my lips to be free from deceit, even if well-meaning. I purpose that my heart and my lips will not transgress. Thank You for your cleansing grace.
“O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips.” Ps 17:1 NLT.